Which of the following answers are characteristics or roles of granulocytes?

• A. Release of hydrolytic enzymes that damage bacterial cell membranes.
• B. Production and release of histamines which increases capillary permeability.
• C. Release antimicrobial substances that damage the membranes of parasites.
• D. Phagocytose invading microorganisms.
• E. All of the above.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that granulocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response, and they include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
2. Recognize that one of the roles of granulocytes, specifically neutrophils, is to release hydrolytic enzymes that can damage bacterial cell membranes, aiding in the destruction of pathogens.
3. Identify that basophils, a type of granulocyte, are responsible for the production and release of histamines, which increase capillary permeability and play a role in inflammatory responses.
4. Acknowledge that eosinophils, another type of granulocyte, release antimicrobial substances that can damage the membranes of parasites, contributing to the defense against parasitic infections.
5. Note that granulocytes, particularly neutrophils, are capable of phagocytosing, or engulfing and digesting, invading microorganisms, which is a crucial part of the body's defense mechanism.