Endocytosis is a cellular process in which substances are brought into the cell by engulfing them in a vesicle. This process allows cells to take in large molecules, particles, or even other cells.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Endocytosis can be classified into two main types: phagocytosis (cellular eating) and pinocytosis (cellular drinking).
Receptor-mediated endocytosis involves the uptake of specific molecules based on receptor binding.
Endosomes are membrane-bound compartments that sort and direct internalized materials during endocytosis.
Viruses often exploit receptor-mediated endocytosis to enter host cells and initiate infection.
Pathogens can use endocytosis to evade immune detection by hiding within host cells.