Question

Endocytosis and phagocytosis are not related terms.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was addressed to me in final exam.

Question is from Gene Therapy Using Viral Vectors in section Utilizing Genetically Engineered Organisms & Medical Applications of Bioprocess Engineering of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(b) False

Explanation: Endocytosis and phagocytosis are related terms, both referring to processes by which cells take in substances from their surroundings. They are both forms of vesicular transport, where the cell membrane engulfs extracellular material to form vesicles that are internalized by the cell.

• Endocytosis is a broad term that encompasses all processes in which cells internalize substances from the extracellular environment. It includes both pinocytosis (cell drinking, involving the uptake of fluids) and phagocytosis (cell eating, involving the engulfment of large particles such as debris or microorganisms).

• Phagocytosis is a specific type of endocytosis carried out by certain cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, which engulf large particles like pathogens or dead cells.

Thus, endocytosis and phagocytosis are related, with phagocytosis being a subtype of endocytosis. Therefore, the statement is false.