Basis of differentiation | Phagocytosis | Pinocytosis |
Definition | Phagocytosis is the ingestion of solid particles into the cell by phagocytes | Pinocytosis is the ingestion of liquid droplets into the cell by small vesicles |
Particle size | Typically involves the uptake of particles larger than 0.5 micrometers in diameter | Typically involves the uptake of particles less than 0.2 micrometers in diameter |
Type of vesicle formed | Phagosomes are formed | Pinosomes are formed |
Occurrence in body | Mostly found in the immune cells of the body | Typically occurs in almost all cells of the body |
Exocytosis occurrence | Exocytosis occurs at the end of the process | Exocytosis does not occur |
Process type | Is a triggered process involving receptors such as IgG | Is a continuous process |
Mechanism | Pseudopodia are used to sense targets which can be engulfed | Small particles suspended in extracellular fluid are brought into the cell through the invagination of the lipid cell membrane |
Function | Generally used for the defensive purposes of the cell | Used in order to ingest crucial matter |
Involvement of lysosomes | Lysosomes are involved | Lysosomes are not involved |