Final answer:
Early and late endosomes are types of organelles involved in the endocytic pathway. They have distinct roles in sorting and processing internalized cargo.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early and late endosomes are both types of organelles found in cells that function in the endocytic pathway. However, they have distinct characteristics and roles. Early endosomes are formed from the fusion of coated vesicles and serve as a sorting station for internalized cargo. They are closer to the plasma membrane and are involved in recycling receptors back to the surface or transporting cargo to other compartments. Late endosomes, also known as multivesicular bodies, receive cargo from early endosomes and further sort it for degradation in lysosomes or exocytosis. They are more acidic and contain a higher concentration of lysosomal enzymes compared to early endosomes.