Alternative definition : KEGG: Phagocytosis is the process of taking in relatively large particles by a cell,
and is a central mechanism in the tissue remodeling, inflammation, and defense against
infectious agents. A phagosome is formed when the specific receptors on the phagocyte
surface recognize ligands on the particle surface. After formation, nascent phagosomes
progressively acquire digestive characteristics. This maturation of phagosomes involves
regulated interaction with the other membrane organelles, including recycling endosomes,
late endosomes and lysosomes. The fusion of phagosomes and lysosomes releases toxic
products that kill most bacteria and degrade them into fragments. However, some bacteria
have strategies to escape the bactericidal mechanisms associated with phagocytosis
and survive within host phagocytes.;