Definition

A process where a cell takes in substances by folding its outer layer inward to form a pocket that engulfs the material.

Example

Endocytosis allows cells to absorb nutrients and other important substances from their environment.

Conversation

I was reading about endocytosis in my biology class today.

Oh really? What does it involve?

It's basically how cells take in substances by folding their membrane.

That sounds interesting! I didn’t know cells could do that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Endocytosis → It is formed from "endo-" (meaning within) and "kytos" (from Greek, meaning cell) and "-sis" (meaning process or action). The word describes the process of a cell taking in substances by engulfing them within its membrane.

Memory Tip

Think of a cell taking something 'within' ('endo-') itself, which is what endocytosis means.

Visually Confused Words