Final answer:
Pinocytosis and phagocytosis are both forms of endocytosis. Phagocytosis involves engulfing large particles, while pinocytosis is the process of taking in dissolved substances via small vesicles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pinocytosis and phagocytosis are both examples of endocytosis. These processes are ways in which cells internalize substances from their external environment. Phagocytosis is often described as 'cell eating' and involves the engulfment of large particles or even entire microorganisms by the cell. In this process, the plasma membrane engulfs the solid material and forms a phagocytic vesicle to contain the ingested material. On the other hand, pinocytosis, which means 'cell drinking', involves the formation of vesicles to take in liquids containing various dissolved substances. It results in a much smaller vesicle compared to phagocytosis, and the vesicle generally does not need to merge with a lysosome.