Pinocytosis

Question

Pinocytosis
A) is a passive process.
B) requires a pressure gradient as its driving force.
C) refers to cellular drinking.
D) is a form of exocytosis.

Accepted Answer

Pinocytosis is a type of endocytosis in which small droplets of extracellular fluid are engulfed by the cell, forming small vesicles. This process is often referred to as "cellular drinking" because the cell is taking in fluid rather than solid particles. Pinocytosis is an active process that requires energy, but it does not require a pressure gradient as its driving force. It is also not a form of exocytosis, which involves the release of materials from the cell rather than their uptake.