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

See Examples For:

exocytosis

Choose the statement that describes processes of receptor-mediated endocytosis, exocytosis, and the changes in the membrane organization.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

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

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

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

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Contractile vacuoles excrete excess water and waste by the process of exocytosis, in which the vacuoles merge with the cell membrane and expel wastes into the environment.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Significant progress has been made recently in directly measuring the number of dopamine molecules stored in individual vesicles and the amount actually released when the vesicle undergoes exocytosis.

From Textbooks ● Feb. 14, 2019