What is the difference between Endocytosis and Phagocytosis?

Endocytosis can be defined as a means whereby molecules are being engulfed. The four subgroups of endocytosis are clathrin-mediated endocytosis, phagocytosis, macropinocytosis, caveolae. On the other side of the coin, phagocytosis is the process whereby nutrients are being engulfed with 0.75 nanometers, specifically in diameter size. Examples of this include cell debris, apoptotic cells, and dust particles.

Phagocytosis is derived from the Greek word "phagein," which means "to devour," "ketos," which means "cell," and "-osis," which means "process." Thus, the definition, the process of getting solid particles engulfed.

On the other hand, the Greek words from which endocytosis is derived from are "endo" which means "within," "cyt" which means "cell," and "-osis" which means "process." Phagocytosis has to do with engulfing solid particles, and this can only be done through non-oxygen or oxygen-dependent processes. Conversely, endocytosis has to do with either liquid or solid particles.

It can be confusing for some people because phagocytosis is a form of endocytosis, but not all types of endocytosis can be considered as phagocytosis. So what actually is the difference? When you say phagocytosis, this means that there are large particles that are being moved to the whole cells.

Through endocytosis, this is the process by which some particles are also being moved into cells, but they do not necessarily have to be large particles. Endocytosis is the opposite of exocytosis wherein some particles are being exited or are being removed out of the cell. Usually, in the process of phagocytosis, the particles are engulfed, which explains why larger particles can be taken in.