Endocytosis

Endocytosis

A cellular process in which substances are brought into the cell by engulfing them in a membrane.

Phagocytosis

The uptake of large particles, such as bacteria and apoptotic cells, by immune cells.

Macropinocytosis

A non-selective endocytic process where cells form actin-driven ruffles that can engulf extracellular material.

Opsonization

The process by which pathogens are coated with antibodies to enhance phagocytosis.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis

A form of endocytosis involving vesicles coated with clathrin, aiding in the uptake of specific molecules.

Familial hypercholesterolemia

A genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels due to mutations affecting LDL uptake.

Dynamin

A GTPase enzyme that is required to pinch off clathrin-coated vesicles during endocytosis.

Multi vesicular bodies

Late endosomes that contain many intraluminal vesicles, involved in the endocytic pathway.

Lysosome

An organelle containing enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris; has a pH of around 4.5.

Gradient of pH

The varying pH levels throughout the endocytic pathway, crucial for the function of endosomal maturation.