exocytosis

American  

[ek-soh-sahy-toh-sis] / ˌɛk soʊ saɪˈtoʊ sɪs /

noun

Physiology.

1. the transport of material out of a cell by means of a sac or vesicle that first engulfs the material and then is extruded through an opening in the cell membrane (distinguished from endocytosis).

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exocytosis British  

/ ˌɛksəʊsaɪˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

1. a process by which material is exported from a biological cell

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Other Word Forms

• exocytotic adjective

Etymology

Origin of exocytosis

1960–65; exo- + -cyte + -osis; cf. endocytosis

Compare meaning

How does exocytosis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• endocytosis vs. exocytosis

Example Sentences

Potocytosis is a form of exocytosis where molecules are transported via clathrin-coated vesicles.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Pinocytosis is a form of exocytosis used for excreting excess water.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Contractile vacuoles excrete uric acid by the process of exocytosis, in which water as well as uric acid is excreted by contraction of a cell when the vacuole merges with the cell membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

One important aspect of the complex processes related to dopamine signaling is the number of neurotransmitter molecules released during exocytosis.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Undigested remains ultimately are expelled from the cell via exocytosis.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015