Summary
The uptake of materials by folding the plasma membrane inward to form a vesicle inside the cell.
In depth
Types include phagocytosis (cell eating of large particles), pinocytosis (cell drinking of fluid) and receptor-mediated endocytosis, in which receptors cluster in clathrin-coated pits and take up specific ligands. The vesicle then fuses with endosomes and often lysosomes.
It also recycles membrane and controls the number of surface receptors. Some viruses and toxins hijack it to enter cells.
Frequently asked questions
What is Endocytosis?
The uptake of materials by folding the plasma membrane inward to form a vesicle inside the cell.
Which area of biology covers Endocytosis, and how advanced is it?
Endocytosis is one of the 52 topics in Cell Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Lysosome, Plasma Membrane, Exocytosis.
Can you give an example of Endocytosis?
Cells take up cholesterol in LDL particles through receptor-mediated endocytosis; defects cause familial hypercholesterolaemia.
What should I learn before Endocytosis?
Work through the Beginner topics in Cell Biology first, such as Cell Theory, Prokaryotic Cell, Eukaryotic Cell, then return to Endocytosis. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Endocytosis?
The closest topics to Endocytosis are Lysosome, Plasma Membrane, Exocytosis, Cytoplasm. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Endocytosis?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Endocytosis. To practise the whole of Cell Biology, use the Cell Biology quiz.
How is Endocytosis different from Lysosome?
Endocytosis: The uptake of materials by folding the plasma membrane inward to form a vesicle inside the cell. Lysosome: A vesicle filled with digestive enzymes that breaks down worn-out organelles, food particles and invaders. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Endocytosis step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Lysosome and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Cell Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.