Cambridge O Level Biology · Syllabus 5090 · Transport in Humans
White Blood Cell
What is White Blood Cell?
A white blood cell is a blood cell involved in defending the body against pathogens. There are two types required at this level: a lymphocyte, which has a large round nucleus and very little cytoplasm and produces specific antibodies, and a phagocyte, which has a lobed nucleus and an irregular outline and engulfs and destroys pathogens by phagocytosis. Unlike red blood cells, white blood cells keep their nuclei.
This definition is part of the Transport in Humans chapter in Cambridge O Level Biology.
Questions students ask about White Blood Cell
Which blood cell produces antibodies?
The lymphocyte, a white blood cell with a large round nucleus and very little cytoplasm. The other white blood cell required at this level, the phagocyte, has a lobed nucleus and engulfs and destroys pathogens by phagocytosis rather than producing antibodies.