Phagocytosis is a specialized example of what widespread cellular process? Phagocytes are specialized cells that ingest and break down foreign material, including bacteria and viruses. Although they are components of the body rather than independent units, phagocytes are similar to single celled organisms such as amoebas. Amoebas move through a liquid environment and engulf organic material both unloving and living. The material is broken down inside the cell and used as a source of energy and nutrients. Excess molecules are removed from the cell. The process of bringing material into the amoeba’s cell is called endocytosis and the process of removing material from the cell is called exocyotsis. Phagocytosis is a specialized form of endocytosis and exocytosis.