Which of the following is a feature of phagocytes?

Phagocytes play a crucial role in the immune system as specialized cells responsible for identifying, engulfing, and destroying pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. This process is known as phagocytosis, where phagocytes, such as macrophages and neutrophils, detect foreign invaders, ingest them, and subsequently break them down with enzymes. This mechanism is vital for the body’s defense against infections and for maintaining overall health.

The other options pertain to different physiological functions: producing insulin is a function specific to the pancreas, specifically the beta cells. Transporting oxygen is primarily the function of red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout the body. Regulating blood pH is mainly handled by the kidneys and the lungs through various biochemical mechanisms. Thus, engulfing and destroying pathogens distinctly characterizes phagocytes and underlines their essential role in the immune response.