Pinocytosis, also referred to as cell-drinking, is a form of endocytosis. It is also known as fluid endocytosis, and bulk-phase pinocytosis.
Pinocytosis Explained
Pinocytosis involves cells taking in small particles by creating an invagination (or pocket) in their cell membrane. These particles are then suspended within small vesicles inside the cell. According to the reference, pinocytosis, also known as cell-drinking, fluid endocytosis, and bulk-phase pinocytosis, is a mode of endocytosis in which small particles are brought into the cell, forming an invagination, and then suspended within small vesicles.
Key Aspects of Pinocytosis:
- Process: Cell membrane folds inward to engulf extracellular fluid containing solutes.
- Vesicle Formation: The engulfed fluid is trapped inside a vesicle.
- Purpose: To sample the extracellular environment and take in nutrients.
Pinocytosis vs. Phagocytosis
While both are forms of endocytosis, they differ in what they ingest.
| Feature | Pinocytosis | Phagocytosis |
|---|---|---|
| Ingests | Fluids and small particles | Large particles/cells |
| Common Name | Cell-drinking | Cell-eating |
| Vesicle Size | Small | Large |
