What is the difference between Pinocytosis and Phagocytosis?

The distinction between phagocytosis and pinocytosis is that phagocytosis is a type of endocytosis, which uptakes solids by going through the plasma membrane and to the cell. Pinocytosis is another form of endocytosis which uptakes fluids including solutes and small molecules via the plasma membrane to the cell.

Endocytosis is a process by which cells intake macromolecules and other suspended particles, including cell parts. With phagocytosis, lysosomes are involved, whereas, with pinocytosis, lysosomes are not affected. After phagocytosis, exocytosis transpires at the end. At the end of pinocytosis, exocytosis does not occur.

Pinocytosis and Phagocytosis are two types of Endocytosis. During this process, the material is taken in from the plasma membrane. This is done by vesicles forming. Pinocytosis means cell drinking. During this process, a substance is ingested. At the same time, it is dissolved and prepared for cell absorption.

Phagocytosis means cell eating. During this process, particles are broken down, which helps enzymes make for absorption. They are both the process of engulfing. Pinocytosis engulfs by invagination, while Phagocytosis engulfs by pseudopodia. While pinocytosis has no role of lysosomes, Phagocytosis does because it combines with lysosomes to form a food vacuole.