ingestion by cells
Ingestion by cells refers to the process through which cells take in nutrients and other substances from their internal environment.
This process is essential for cellular function, growth, and survival.
There are two primary methods of ingestion at the cellular level:
Phagocytosis:
This is often referred to as "cellular eating."
It's a form of endocytosis where cells - (like macrophages) engulf large particles, such as bacteria or dead cells.
The cell membrane extends around the particle and forms a vesicle, which is then brought into the cell for digestion.
Pinocytosis: Commonly known as "cellular drinking," this process involves the ingestion of small particles and liquids.
The cell membrane invaginates, forming small vesicles that bring extracellular fluids and dissolved solutes into the cell.
endocytosis
The term “endocytosis” was coined by Christian deDuve in 1963 to include both the ingestion of large particles (such as bacteria) and the uptake of fluids or macromolecules in small vesicles.
The former of these activities is known as phagocytosis (cell eating) and the latter as pinocytosis (cell drinking).
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