pinocytosis
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An amoeba showing pinocytosis
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The process by which a cell takes in extracellular fluid by the invagination of the cell membrane. Rather than entering and passing through the cell membrane as individual molecules, a droplet becomes bound to the membrane. A pocket then forms and pinches off to form a vesicle, which subsequently ruptures, releasing its contents into the cytosol. Pinocytosis ("cell drinking") is a form of endocytosis.
Related category
• CELL BIOLOGY
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