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phagocytosis
phagocytosis The process by which a cell membrane can invaginate and enclose externally derived, solid material within a vacuole, without disrupting the continuity of the cell surface. Subsequently this vacuole will fuse with a lysosome and its contents will be wholly or partly digested. Although phagocytosis is a feature of animal cells, bacteria may be attacked by phagocytotic cells. The capsule may afford them some protection against such an attack.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-phagocytosis.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-phagocytosis.html |
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phagocytosis
phagocytosis The process by which foreign particles invading the body or minute food particles are engulfed and broken down by certain animal cells (known as phagocytes). The plasma membrane of the phagocyte invaginates to capture the particle and then closes around it to form a sac or vacuole. The vacuole coalesces with a lysosome, which contains enzymes that break down the particle. See endocytosis. Compare pinocytosis.
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"phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-phagocytosis.html "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-phagocytosis.html |
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phagocytosis
phagocytosis A form of endocytosis in which a cell membrane invaginates and encloses externally derived, solid material within a vacuole, without disrupting the continuity of the cell surface. Subsequently this vacuole will fuse with a lysosome and its contents will be wholly or partly digested.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-phagocytosis.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-phagocytosis.html |
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phagocytosis
phagocytosis (fag-ŏ-sy-toh-sis) n. the engulfment and digestion of bacteria and other foreign particles by a phagocyte. Compare pinocytosis.
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"phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-phagocytosis.html "phagocytosis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-phagocytosis.html |
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phagocytosis
phagocytosis see endocytosis . |
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Cite this article
"phagocytosis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "phagocytosis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-phagcytss.html "phagocytosis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-phagcytss.html |
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