All of the following are major differences between macrophages & neutrophils except which of these answers?

• A. Macrophages can perform phagocytosis while neutrophils cannot.
• B. Macrophages kill microbes by “eating” them. Neutrophils kill microbes with hydrolytic enzymes and/or phagocytosis.
• C. Neutrophils circulate the bloodstream while resident macrophages reside in tissues.
• D. Neutrophils are granulocytes while macrophages are agranulocytes.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the roles of macrophages and neutrophils in the immune system. Macrophages are large phagocytic cells that reside in tissues and are involved in the detection and destruction of bacteria and other harmful organisms. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that circulates in the bloodstream and are the first responders to infection.
2. Identify the process of phagocytosis. Both macrophages and neutrophils can perform phagocytosis, which is the process of engulfing and digesting pathogens and debris. This is a key function of both cell types in the immune response.
3. Differentiate between granulocytes and agranulocytes. Neutrophils are classified as granulocytes because they contain granules filled with enzymes that help digest pathogens. Macrophages, on the other hand, are agranulocytes, meaning they do not have these granules.
4. Examine the location of these cells. Neutrophils are primarily found circulating in the bloodstream, ready to migrate to sites of infection. Macrophages are typically resident in tissues, where they can detect and respond to pathogens.
5. Review the statement about phagocytosis. The statement that macrophages can perform phagocytosis while neutrophils cannot is incorrect, as both cell types are capable of phagocytosis. This is the exception among the differences listed.