 ##  [Endocytosis](/index.php/endocytosis) 

  ##  [Endocytosis](https://natural.quantumdictionary.io/endocytosis-0) 

  
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**Natural &amp; Formal Sciences Dictionary**

 
Definition

Cellular process in which a portion of the plasma membrane invaginates and pinches off to internalize extracellular fluid, solutes, ligands and membrane components into vesicles for trafficking, signaling modulation or degradation.

 
 ##  [Endocytosis](https://health.quantumdictionary.io/endocytosis-1) 

  
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**Health &amp; Life Sciences Dictionary**

 
Definition

Collective term for cellular processes by which regions of the plasma membrane invaginate or bud to form intracellular vesicles that internalize extracellular fluid, solutes, ligands and membrane components; major modes include clathrin‑mediated endocytosis, caveolar pathways, macropinocytosis and phagocytosis, each defined by distinct coat proteins, regulators and cargo selection mechanisms.