What are the basic steps of phagocytosis?

Phagocytosis can be defined into four basic steps: activation of the phagocytes and chemotaxis, recognition of the invading microbes, ingestion of the cell by phagocyte, and destruction of the cell. 

1. During the recognition of the target particle when the cell comes in close proximity to other objects/particles. For example, when phagocytes come near cells like bacteria, the phagocytes become activated and induce binding to the target bacteria. This step also involves chemotaxis, as cells may move to the region with a high concentration of foreign particles or molecules. The cells are chemically stimulated by the presence of these particles.
2. Surface receptors on the phagocyte bind to the surface of the target particle. This step is required in order for the molecule to be ingested. There are different types of surface receptors which play crucial roles in phagocytosis. These surface receptors include scavenger receptors, opsonin receptors, antibodies, and toll-like receptors.
3. The phagocyte begins expanding as it surrounds the molecule, this process involves the creation of a vacuole around the molecule as it becomes fully ingested.
4. Lysosomes degrade the molecule into simpler, smaller components. Waste material that cannot be utilized is removed from the cell through exocytosis.