The ingestion of debris and foreign matter by a cell is known as:

• A. Osmosis
• B. Exocytosis
• C. Phagocytosis
• D. Pinocytosis

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the key terms provided in the problem. Osmosis refers to the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, exocytosis is the process of expelling substances from a cell, phagocytosis is the ingestion of large particles or debris by a cell, and pinocytosis is the ingestion of liquid or small particles by a cell.
2. Step 2: Focus on the phrase 'ingestion of debris and foreign matter by a cell.' This indicates the process involves engulfing larger particles or solid matter, which is characteristic of phagocytosis.
3. Step 3: Compare phagocytosis with pinocytosis. While both are forms of endocytosis, phagocytosis specifically deals with solid particles, whereas pinocytosis involves liquids or very small particles.
4. Step 4: Eliminate the incorrect options based on their definitions. Osmosis and exocytosis do not involve the ingestion of debris or foreign matter, and pinocytosis is not specific to solid debris.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct term for the ingestion of debris and foreign matter by a cell is phagocytosis, as it matches the description provided in the problem.