Final answer:
The general term for the process is endocytosis, which includes phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis. Endocytosis is the process by which cells take up substances from the extracellular environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general term for the process by which cells take up relatively large quantities of substances from the extracellular environment is endocytosis.
Endocytosis includes different types of processes, such as phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis. Phagocytosis is the process of engulfing large particles, while pinocytosis involves the uptake of small particles in fluid. Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a selective process that involves the binding of substances to specific receptors on the cell surface.
Overall, endocytosis plays a crucial role in the uptake of important substances by cells.