[Campbell Biology P.156] A macrophage encounters a bacterium and engulfs it for digestion. S... | Practice Question

A macrophage encounters a bacterium and engulfs it for digestion. Simultaneously, an aged mitochondrion within the same macrophage is isolated and broken down. What two processes are exemplified in this scenario?

  • A: Only phagocytosis
  • B: Only autophagy
  • C: Phagocytosis for the bacterium and autophagy for the mitochondrion
  • D: Pinocytosis for the bacterium and phagocytosis for the mitochondrion

Explanation

Phagocytosis is the process by which a cell engulfs large particles, such as bacteria, from its external environment. Autophagy is the process where a cell degrades and recycles its own damaged or unnecessary components, such as aged mitochondria. The scenario clearly describes both processes occurring simultaneously.