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Endocytosis is a biological process where a cell engulfs external substances, enclosing them in a membrane-bound vesicle called an endosome that is drawn into the cell. This process allows cells to absorb essential nutrients and remove waste products, acting as a gate for transport across the cell membrane.1

There are several types of endocytosis:
* Pinocytosis: The cell membrane engulfs small vesicles containing fluid.21
* Phagocytosis: The cell membrane engulfs larger vesicles containing solid matter.1
* Receptor-mediated endocytosis: This occurs when material binds to specific receptors on the cell membrane, triggering the engulfment process.1

Cholesterol, for example, enters cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. pinocytosis
  2. cell - Endocytosis

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