Which process describes the uptake of extracellular fluid and dissolved solutes by infolding of the plasma membrane?

Which process describes the uptake of extracellular fluid and dissolved solutes by infolding of the plasma membrane?

• A. Endocytosis
• B. Phagocytosis
• C. Pinocytosis
• D. Exocytosis

Answer: (C)

This describes pinocytosis, a form of endocytosis often called cell drinking. In pinocytosis, the plasma membrane folds inward to form small vesicles that internalize extracellular fluid and dissolved solutes. It’s generally non-specific about what it takes up, unlike receptor-mediated endocytosis, which is selective. Endocytosis is the broad umbrella term for inward vesicle formation, while phagocytosis handles large particles by extending the membrane around them, and exocytosis is the process of secreting material out of the cell.

This describes pinocytosis, a form of endocytosis often called cell drinking. In pinocytosis, the plasma membrane folds inward to form small vesicles that internalize extracellular fluid and dissolved solutes. It’s generally non-specific about what it takes up, unlike receptor-mediated endocytosis, which is selective. Endocytosis is the broad umbrella term for inward vesicle formation, while phagocytosis handles large particles by extending the membrane around them, and exocytosis is the process of secreting material out of the cell.