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A capsule helps a pathogen escape ___ unless opsonization has occurred.

a) Phagocytosis
b) Exocytosis
c) Endocytosis
d) Autophagy

1 Answer

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Final answer:

A capsule aids in the escape of a pathogen from phagocytosis, a process countered by opsonization, which marks pathogens for engulfment by immune cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

A capsule helps a pathogen escape phagocytosis unless opsonization has occurred. Opsonization involves the coating of a pathogen with molecules like complement proteins, which signal phagocytes to initiate phagocytosis. Exocytosis is the process by which waste material is enveloped in a membrane and then fused with the plasma membrane to be expelled out of the cell. It's important to differentiate between these processes to understand immune system functions and pathogen resistance mechanisms.

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