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

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

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

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

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

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022