Biology / Unit 2 Bio 0372 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Pinocytosis
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The idea
Pinocytosis is the endocytosis variant taking in extracellular fluid and its dissolved small molecules, producing a much smaller vesicle than phagocytosis.
In practice
A cell continuously sampling its surrounding fluid for nutrients uses pinocytosis rather than phagocytosis, since no large particle is engulfed.
Where people slip
Despite its name, pinocytosis is not purposeful drinking — it takes in whatever small molecules are nearby.
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