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What is the structural difference between phagosomes and autophagosomes?

User Ryoji
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Final answer:

Phagosomes are involved in phagocytosis, while autophagosomes are involved in autophagy. Phagosomes form when a phagocyte engulfs a pathogen, while autophagosomes form when a cell engulfs its own damaged organelles or cytoplasmic components.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phagosomes and autophagosomes are both vesicles involved in cellular processes, but they have different functions and origins. A phagosome is formed when a phagocyte engulfs a pathogen or other foreign material. The phagosome then fuses with a lysosome, forming a phagolysosome where the pathogen is digested. This process is called phagocytosis. An autophagosome, on the other hand, is formed when a cell engulfs its own damaged organelles or cytoplasmic components. These autophagosomes merge with lysosomes to form autolysosomes where the contents are degraded. This process is called autophagy.

User Freezystem
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