Ephagy is

Options

A. Cell eating
B. Cell drinking
C. Cell death
D. Cell vomiting

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution for the Question: What is Ephagy?

1. **Understanding the Term**: The term "ephagy" is derived from the Greek word "ephagein," which means to eat or to consume. However, in biological terms, it has a specific meaning.

**Hint**: Look for the root words in "ephagy" to understand its meaning.

2. **Defining Ephagy**: Ephagy is defined as a cellular process where a cell expels undigested or waste materials. It is often referred to as "cell vomiting."

**Hint**: Think about how cells manage waste and what happens to materials that are not useful anymore.

3. **Mechanism of Ephagy**: In this process, the cell forms a vacuole around the waste material. This vacuole then moves to the cell membrane, where it fuses with the membrane and releases the waste outside the cell.

**Hint**: Visualize how a cell might "throw out" waste, similar to how we might dispose of garbage.

4. **Comparison with Other Processes**: Ephagy is different from other cellular processes:
- **Phagocytosis**: This is known as "cell eating," where a cell engulfs large particles or debris.
- **Pinocytosis**: This is known as "cell drinking," where a cell takes in small droplets of fluid.
- **Apoptosis**: This refers to programmed cell death, where a cell intentionally kills itself due to damage or mutation.

**Hint**: Consider how each process relates to the cell's interaction with its environment and waste management.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, ephagy is specifically the process of expelling waste from the cell, which is why it is referred to as "cell vomiting."

**Hint**: Summarize the key points to reinforce your understanding of ephagy.

### Final Answer:
Ephagy is known as "cell vomiting," a process by which a cell expels undigested or waste materials.