pinocytosis

American  

[pin-uh-sahy-toh-sis, pahy-nuh-] / ˌpɪn ə saɪˈtoʊ sɪs, ˌpaɪ nə- /

noun

Physiology.

1. the transport of fluid into a cell by means of local infoldings by the cell membrane so that a tiny vesicle or sac forms around each droplet, which is then taken into the interior of the cytoplasm.

   Some drugs, such as penicillin, are unable to cross biological barriers unless they make use of carrier proteins or are taken across by pinocytosis.

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Other Word Forms

• pinocytotic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of pinocytosis

First recorded in 1895–1900; from Greek pín(ein) “to drink” + -o- + -cyte + -osis, on the model of phagocytosis

Compare meaning

How does pinocytosis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• phagocytosis vs. pinocytosis

Example Sentences

Pinocytosis is a similar process on a smaller scale.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Pinocytosis is a form of exocytosis used for excreting excess water.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Pinocytosis imports substances that the cell needs from the extracellular fluid.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Pinocytosis is a form of receptor- mediated endocytosis used for excreting excess water.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Pinocytosis is a mode of endocytosis used for absorption of extracellular water.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022