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

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

Other examples of cells releasing molecules via exocytosis include the secretion of proteins of the extracellular matrix and secretion of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft by synaptic vesicles.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

In exocytosis, waste material is enveloped in a membrane that fuses with the interior of the plasma membrane via attachment proteins.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Undigested remains ultimately are expelled from the cell through exocytosis.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013

The neurotransmitter is released through exocytosis of vesicles containing the neurotransmitter molecules.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013