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

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

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

The cell expels waste and other particles through the reverse process, exocytosis.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013

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

From Textbooks ● Apr. 25, 2013