ScienceJuly 14, 2026

endocytosis

/ˌɛn.dəʊ.saɪˈtəʊ.sɪs/

Definition

The cellular process by which cells take in substances from their external environment by engulfing them in a vesicle formed from the cell membrane.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Greek 'endon' (within) and 'kytos' (hollow vessel or cell), combined with the suffix '-osis' denoting a process or action. It entered scientific English in the early 20th century to describe this specific method of biological ingestion.

In the news

The article mentions endocytosis as a fundamental cellular process being studied by keynote speaker Jeanne Stachowiak to understand how physical mechanisms of membrane curvature function.

PittCell Brings Region’s Cell Biology Community Together

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Carnegie Mellon University

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