Difference Between Pinocytosis and Receptor Mediated Endocytosis

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Difference Between Pinocytosis and Receptor Mediated Endocytosis

  • The pinocytosis pathway involves cell drinking, where only fluids and dissolved nutrients are taken into a cell.
  • Cells used Receptor-mediated endocytosis process for selective internalization of specific molecules.
TopicPinocytosisReceptor Mediated Endocytosis
DefinitionPinocytosis refers to the ingestion of liquid into a cell by the budding of small vesicles from the cell membrane.The receptor-mediated endocytosis refers to an endocytotic mechanism in which specific molecules are ingested into the cell.
Also Known asPinocytosis is also knwon as cell drinkingThe receptor-mediated endocytosis is also known as clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Components to be UptakenPinocytosis mainly uptakes liquids.Receptor-mediated endocytosis mainly uptakes solutes.
Receptor InvolvementThe receptors are not involved in pinocytosis.The receptors on the cell membrane do involve in receptor-mediated endocytosis.
SelectivityPinocytosis is not a selective process.Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a selective process.
Solute IntakeSolutes in the extracellular fluid enter into the cell through pinocytosis.Selected solutes bind to the receptors and enter the cell during receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Vesicle FormationVesicles form through the invagination of the plasma membrane.Vesicles form through the internal budding of the plasma membrane
EfficiencyPinocytosis is a less efficient processReceptor-mediated endocytosis is an efficient process.

Similarities of Pinocytosis and Receptor Mediated Endocytosis

  • Both of them are methods of endocytosis.
  • Both Pinocytosis and Receptor Mediated Endocytosis use the cell membrane for the process.
  • Both of them help in the uptake of proteins and other substances that cannot easily diffuse into the cell through the plasma membrane.
  • Both of them have a high demand for cellular energy and they are categorized under active transport methods.

Video of Difference Between Pinocytosis and Receptor Mediated Endocytosis

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