PHAGOSOME Meaning and
Definition
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A phagosome is a specialized compartment within a cell that is formed by the process of phagocytosis, whereby cells engulf and internalize solid particles to be broken down and digested. Phagosomes play a crucial role in the immune response and are primarily found in immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils, which are responsible for engulfing and destroying harmful pathogens, foreign materials, and cellular debris.
When a cell encounters a particle suitable for phagocytosis, it extends pseudopods that surround and engulf the particle, bringing it into the cell's interior. This process results in the formation of a phagosome, which is then internalized within the cytoplasm of the cell. The phagosome then undergoes a maturation process, during which it fuses with other cellular compartments such as lysosomes. This fusion enables the phagosome to acquire digestive enzymes necessary for breaking down the internalized material and eliminates potentially harmful substances.
Through the process of phagocytosis, phagosomes are critical components of the cell's defense mechanism against infection and help maintain cellular homeostasis. They are responsible for the degradation and elimination of invading pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, as well as the clearance of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, phagosomes also play a role in antigen presentation, whereby they break down foreign substances and present their fragments to the immune system, triggering an appropriate immune response.
In conclusion, phagosomes are cellular compartments that form during phagocytosis and play a vital role in eliminating pathogens and maintaining cellular health through digestion and antigen presentation.
Common Misspellings for PHAGOSOME
- ohagosome
- lhagosome
- -hagosome
- 0hagosome
- pgagosome
- pbagosome
- pnagosome
- pjagosome
- puagosome
- pyagosome
- phzgosome
- phsgosome
- phwgosome
- phqgosome
- phafosome
- phavosome
- phabosome
- phahosome
- phayosome
- phatosome
Etymology of PHAGOSOME
The word "phagosome" is derived from two Greek roots: "phagós" and "soma".
1. "Phagós" (φαγός) derives from the Greek verb "phagein" (φαγεῖν) meaning "to eat" or "to devour". This root is also seen in words like "phagocyte" (a type of immune cell that engulfs and digests foreign particles) and "phagocytosis" (the process of engulfing and digesting particles by phagocytes).
2. "Soma" (σῶμα) means "body" in Greek.
