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 (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; endocytosis

Compare meaning

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

• endocytosis vs. exocytosis

Example Sentences

Figure 5.23 In exocytosis, vesicles containing substances fuse with the plasma membrane.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

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

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

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