Phagocytosis
Chapter: 2
The process by which particulate material is ingested by cells. All cells are phagocytic to a certain degree. However, neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages are quantitatively much more able to ingest particulates. Therefore, they are sometimes referred to as "professional" phagocytes. The process consists of recognition of the particle, ingestion of the particle, and digestion of the particle. Phagocytic vacuoles (phagosomes) are formed by invagination of the plasma membrane. Phagosomes fuse with lysosomes, to produce phagolysosomes in which the killing (if applicable) and digestion of particulate material are accomplished.
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