7.1 Pinocytosis
Pinocytosis is a form of endocytosis involving fluids containing many solutes. In humans, this process occurs in cells lining the small intestine and is used primarily for absorption of fat droplets.
How does pinocytosis occur?
Pinocytosis, a process by which liquid droplets are ingested by living cells. Pinocytosis is one type of endocytosis, the general process by which cells engulf external substances, gathering them into special membrane-bound vesicles contained within the cell.
What are some examples of pinocytosis?
An example of pinocytosis is observed in the microvilli of the small intestine to absorb nutrients from the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, it is also observed in cells in the ducts of the kidneys during the formation of urine.
