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

Derived 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

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

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

In capillaries, this single layer of cells is the location of diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the endothelial cells and red blood cells, as well as the exchange site via endocytosis and exocytosis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

It is used again in another exocytosis event.

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

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