Final answer:
The transport mechanism that allows for the intake of whole cells is known as phagocytosis, a less selective process compared to pinocytosis and receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transport mechanism that can bring whole cells into a cell is phagocytosis. This process, often referred to as 'cell eating,' involves the cell membrane surrounding and engulfing large particles or even whole cells, forming a vacuole that is then internalized into the cell. Unlike pinocytosis, which involves the uptake of fluid and small particles, or receptor-mediated endocytosis, which is specific to certain substances, phagocytosis targets large structures and is less selective.
Exocytosis, on the other hand, is the process of exporting substances from the cell and is not involved in the cellular intake of large particles or cells. The transport mechanism that can bring whole cells into a cell is called phagocytosis. In phagocytosis, the cell membrane surrounds and engulfs large particles, such as other cells or microorganisms, forming an intracellular vacuole. This process is commonly performed by immune cells to eliminate invading pathogens.