Phagocytosis is the process by which phagocytic cells ingest large particles such as bacteria. This research uses Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae as a genetic model organism. Studies have isolated and characterized gene products involved in phagocytosis and the endocytic pathway through analysis of knockout cells. Research examines how bacteria are killed following phagocytosis and analyzes virulence strategies employed by pathogenic bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa to escape phagocytic cells. The system demonstrates integrated relationships between phagocytic cells and bacteria at molecular and experimental levels.