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Home » Science » Biology » Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes
Difference Between Granulocytes and
Agranulocytes
April 21, 2017 • by Lakna • 5 min read
Main Difference – Granulocytes vs
Stunning images of Agranulocytes
cells AAT Bioquest Granulocytes and agranulocytes are the two types of white
blood cells found in blood. White blood cells are also called as
Discover how scientists use leukocytes. They provide the frontline defense to fight against
immunofluorescence to diseases. Eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils are the
capture beautiful cell images! granulocytes. Monocytes and lymphocytes are the
agranulocytes. Neutrophils and monocytes are the most active
aatbio.com
phagocytes, which engulf foreign pathogens and destroy them.
T and B lymphocytes are involved in the identification of
antigens, which are present in the antigen presenting cells in order to generate specific antibodies for a particular
pathogen. The main difference between granulocytes and agranulocytes is that granulocytes consist of a granular
cytoplasm whereas agranulocytes do not consist of a granular cytoplasm.
This article explores,
1. What are Granulocytes
– Definition, Classification and Function
2. What are Agranulocytes
– Definition, Classification and Function
3. What is the difference between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes
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5/2/2017 Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes | Definition, Classification and Function
What are Granulocytes
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5/2/2017 Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes | Definition, Classification and Function
Granulocytes are a type of leukocytes found in blood, containing a granular cytoplasm. Three types of granulocytes
are found: neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. The three types of granulocytes are distinguished depending on the
staining pattern of granules in the cells. Since granulocytes contain different numbers of lobes in the nucleus, they are
also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are the most abundant cell type in blood. They are one of the first cells migrating into the site of
inflammation, following the cytokine signals produced by the infected cells. This process of migration is called
chemotaxis.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils combat multicellular parasites like helminth. Responding to chemokine and cytokine signals, eosinophils
migrate into inflammatory tissues. Along with basophils and mast cells, eosinophils mediate allergic responses and
asthma pathogenesis.
Basophils
Basophils contain the anticoagulant heparin which prevents the quick blood clotting inside blood vessels. The
enzymes in their granules are also released during asthma. Basophils are the least common in blood compared to other
granulocytes. But, the largest granulocytes are basophils.
Figure 1: Three Types of Granulocytes
What are Agranulocytes
Agranulocytes are the other type of leukocytes; they do not consist of cytoplasmic granules. Two types of
agranulocytes are found: lymphocytes and monocytes. Lymphocytes are again divided into two groups as T
lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. Agranulocytes are also called mononuclear leukocytes since they contain a non
segmented nucleus. Agranulocytes are less abundant in blood when compared to granulocytes.
Monocytes
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5/2/2017 Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes | Definition, Classification and Function
Monocytes are capable of migrating into infected tissues by
differentiating into macrophages. They are capable of being
differentiated into dendritic cells as well. Monocytes are
involved in the innate immunity of an organism, serving as
the frontline defense of the host. They also allow the
adaptive immune system to be activated by triggering an
inflammatory response. Monocytes secrete cytokines and
chemokines. Monocytes migrate into tissue within 812
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hours, responding to inflammation.
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Lymphocytes microbehunter.com
Figure 2: Agranulocytes
Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes
Granules
Granulocytes: Granulocytes are leukocytes that contain a granular cytoplasm.
Agranulocytes: Agranulocytes are leukocytes that contain an agranular cytoplasm.
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5/2/2017 Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes | Definition, Classification and Function
Alternative Names
Granulocytes: Granulocytes are called polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Agranulocytes: Agranulocytes are called mononuclear leukocytes.
Types
Granulocytes: Eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils are the granulocytes.
Agranulocytes: Monocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes are the agranulocytes.
Origin
Granulocytes: Granulocytes are originated from the bone marrow.
Agranulocytes: Agranulocytes are originated from lymphoid.
Percentage
Granulocytes: Granulocytes are 65% of total leukocytes.
Agranulocytes: Agranulocytes are 35% of total leukocytes.
Nuclear Lobes
Granulocytes: Nucleus contains two to five lobes in granulocytes.
Agranulocytes: Nucleus contains a single lobe in agranulocytes.
Enzymes
Granulocytes: Granulocytes contain enzymes, digesting phagocytized particles and inflammatory mediators into the
blood stream.
Agranulocytes: Agranulocytes are also contain enzymes in their lysosomes.
Function
Granulocytes: Granulocytes are mainly involved in the innate immunity, producing an immune response, which is
nonspecific to a particular pathogen.
Agranulocytes: Agranulocytes are mainly involved in the adaptive immunity, producing an immune response, which
is specific to a particular pathogen.
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5/2/2017 Difference Between Granulocytes and Agranulocytes | Definition, Classification and Function
Conclusion
Granulocytes and agranulocytes are the two types of leukocytes found in blood. They are distinguished by the
presence of granular cytoplasm, which is stained differently under the light microscope. These granules contain
membranebound enzymes, which primarily digest phagocytized particles. Eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils are
the three types of granulocytes, which can be identified based on the staining properties of the granules in the cells.
Granulocytes are also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Though agranulocytes do not contain cytoplasmic
granules, they still contain nonspecific azurophilic granules like lysosymes. Monocytes, macrophages and
lymphocytes are the three types of agranulocytes. Agranulocytes are also called mononuclear leukocytes.
Neutrophils are phagocytes, which engulf foreign particles and destroy them by enzymes. Monocytes leave the blood
stream in order to function as macrophages in the infected sites. Eosinophils are involved in the killing of parasites.
They have a role in controlling allergic reactions. Basophils contain heparin, which prevents blood clotting. Histamine
is released from basophils during inflammation. T lymphocytes recognize antigens, which are present on the antigen
presenting cells and induce B lymphocytes to produce specific antibodies. However, the main difference between
granulocytes and agranulocytes is the presence or absence of cytoplasmic granules in each cell.
Reference:
1. Goldman, Armond S. “Immunology Overview.” Medical Microbiology. 4th edition.
Image Courtesy:
1. “1916 Leukocyte Key” By OpenStax College – Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. Jun 19, 2013. (CC
BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
Microscopy Magazine
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microscopy enthusiast
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About the Author: Lakna
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Lakna, a graduate in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, is a Molecular Biologist and has a
broad and keen interest in the discovery of nature related things
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