What does phagosome mean?
A phagosome is a membrane-bound compartment inside certain cells that holds material engulfed through phagocytosis. Phagocytic cells, including many macrophages and other immune cells, use this process to take in bacteria, debris, or other particles. A newly formed phagosome commonly joins with a lysosome, an enzyme-filled cellular compartment, so that the enclosed material can be broken down. Phagosomes can also participate in more complex cellular responses, including signaling and presentation of engulfed material to other immune cells. The word is mainly used in technical biological and medical contexts. Understanding it helps distinguish the engulfment compartment, the phagosome, from the digestive compartment, the lysosome, with which it often interacts.
nounA membrane-bound compartment within a cell that contains material engulfed by phagocytosis. It typically fuses with a lysosome, allowing enzymes to digest the enclosed material.
- A membrane-bound organelle or compartment containing material that has been engulfed by phagocytosis, usually as part of the cell's digestion and defense processes.
"The bacterium was enclosed in a phagosome, which then fused with a lysosome."
"Macrophages use phagosomes to engulf and destroy invading microorganisms."
"The research team tracked the maturation of the phagosome after it engulfed the particle."
The plural is used when referring to multiple phagosomes within one or more cells.
"The treatment increased the number of phagosomes containing engulfed bacteria."
A phagosome is the cell's sealed dining room—and its eventual recycling center.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does phagosome come from?
The term was formed in the 19th century from Greek elements associated with eating and the body: phagē, meaning “eating,” and sōma, meaning “body.” Its formation follows the same Greek-root pattern seen in related scientific terms such as phagocyte and phagocytosis. The word entered English through scientific usage concerned with cells and the ingestion of particles.
Related word forms
How phagosome is actually used
This is a specialized biological term, used chiefly in cell biology, microbiology, and related biomedical fields.
Easily confused with phagosome
A phagosome contains material engulfed from outside the cell, whereas a lysosome is an enzyme-filled organelle that helps digest material inside the cell.