The plasmalemma allows the passage of liquids engulfed in vesicles and passed on to the cytoplasmic vacuoles. This process of bulk drinking is called

Options

A. phagocytosis
B. reverse pinocytosis
C. exocytosis
D. pinocytosis

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question describes a process where the plasmalemma (cell membrane) allows the passage of liquids that are engulfed in vesicles and then transferred to cytoplasmic vacuoles. This indicates a mechanism of intake of liquids by the cell.

2. **Identifying the Process**: The process of bulk drinking by cells is specifically referred to in biological terms. In this context, we need to identify the correct term that describes this process.

3. **Recognizing Key Terms**: The term "bulk drinking" suggests that we are looking for a process that involves the ingestion of liquids. The prefix "pino-" relates to drinking, while "cytosis" refers to the process of movement into or out of a cell.

4. **Choosing the Correct Term**: The term that fits the description of bulk drinking is "pinocytosis." This is derived from the Greek word "pino," meaning to drink, and "cytosis," which refers to the movement of substances into or out of a cell.

5. **Eliminating Other Options**:
- **Phagocytosis**: This term refers to "cell eating," where the cell engulfs solid particles, not liquids.
- **Exocytosis**: This process involves the expulsion of substances from the cell, which is not relevant to the intake of liquids.
- **Reverse Pinocytosis**: This would imply the expulsion of liquids, which is not the focus of the question.

6. **Final Conclusion**: Based on the definitions and processes discussed, the correct answer to the question is "pinocytosis," which is the process of bulk drinking by the cell.

**Final Answer**: The process of bulk drinking is called **pinocytosis**.

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