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Multiple Choice
Which of the following cell types of the innate immune system does NOT perform phagocytosis?
A
Neutrophil
B
Dendritic cell
C
Natural killer (NK) cell
D
Macrophage
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of phagocytosis. Phagocytosis is a process where certain immune cells engulf and digest pathogens or debris. It is a key mechanism of the innate immune system to eliminate harmful substances.
Step 2: Review the roles of the listed cell types in the innate immune system. Neutrophils, dendritic cells, and macrophages are known to perform phagocytosis as part of their function in identifying and removing pathogens.
Step 3: Learn about Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells are part of the innate immune system, but they do not perform phagocytosis. Instead, they target infected or cancerous cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) by releasing cytotoxic molecules.
Step 4: Compare the functions of the listed cell types. Neutrophils, dendritic cells, and macrophages share the ability to engulf pathogens through phagocytosis, while NK cells use a different mechanism to eliminate threats.
Step 5: Conclude that Natural Killer (NK) cells do not perform phagocytosis, making them the correct answer to the question.