Home > Biology > Endocytosis and Exocytosis

Is the white blood cells disposing of a worn-out red blood cell carried out through endocytosis, phagocytosis, or both?

Answer 1

Phagocytosis is a specific form of endocytosis.

The average lifespan of erythrocytes is 120 days. As they age, their enzymatic activity drastically decreases, causing them to become spherical and sluggish.

Large white blood cells known as macrophages can be found freely or fixedly in the lining of the blood vessels in the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. Through the process of phagocytosis, macrophages consume the exhausted erythrocytes.

The body then uses the broken-down erythrocytes' protein, amino acid, and iron components again. The macrophage destroys any leftover undesired cell debris.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Maya Anderson

Phagocytosis.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.