INTRACELLULAR DIGESTION Meaning and
Definition
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Intracellular digestion is a physiological process that occurs within the cells of an organism to break down organic material and extract nutrients necessary for growth and maintenance. It is a common process found among various organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, and certain cells within multicellular organisms.
During intracellular digestion, the engulfment and breakdown of food particles occur within specialized compartments called lysosomes or food vacuoles. These structures contain enzymes that facilitate the chemical breakdown of complex molecules into simpler compounds. The enzymes involved in intracellular digestion include proteases for proteins, lipases for lipids, and carbohydrases for carbohydrates.
First, food particles are captured and incorporated into the cell through endocytosis. Once inside, the lysosomes or food vacuoles fuse with the captured material, forming a digestive vacuole. Within this vacuole, the enzymes are released and commence the process of breaking down the engulfed food particles. These released enzymes catalyze hydrolysis reactions, where water molecules are utilized to split the complex macromolecules into smaller subunits.
The resulting simpler compounds, such as amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars, are then transported across the vacuolar membrane into the cytoplasm of the cell. These nutrients are further processed and utilized by the cell for energy production, growth, and other cellular functions.
Intracellular digestion is an essential process that allows cells to obtain the necessary nutrients to maintain cellular activities and overall physiological function. It differs from extracellular digestion, which occurs outside the cell in specialized digestive compartments or organs.
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D. within the substance of a cell, such as occurs in the protozoa and in phagocytes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTRACELLULAR DIGESTION
- in tracellular digestion
- int racellular digestion
- intr acellular digestion
- intra cellular digestion
- intrac ellular digestion
- intrace llular digestion
- intracel lular digestion
- intracell ular digestion
- intracellu lar digestion
- intracellul ar digestion
- intracellula r digestion
- intracellular d igestion
- intracellular di gestion
- intracellular dig estion
- intracellular dige stion
- intracellular diges tion
- intracellular digest ion
- intracellular digesti on
- intracellular digestio n
Etymology of INTRACELLULAR DIGESTION
The word "intracellular" comes from the combination of the Latin prefix "intra-" meaning "within" and the word "cellular", which refers to cells. The word "digestion" originates from Latin as well, derived from the Latin word "digestio" meaning "a dissolving by heat or fire". So, "intracellular digestion" describes a process where digestion occurs within the cells themselves.
Similar spelling words for INTRACELLULAR DIGESTION
