Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A phagosome is a vesicle formed around a particle absorbed by phagocytosis. The vesicle is formed by the fusion of the cell membrane around the particle.
Related terms
Phagocytes: These are cells that protect our body by ingesting harmful foreign particles or bacteria - essentially doing 'clean-up' duty!
These are organelles filled with enzymes that help break down waste materials and cellular debris in cells.
Phagolysosome: This is a cytoplasmic body formed by the fusion of a phagosome with a lysosome. It's essentially the 'garbage disposal' unit of the cell.