6.1.3

Endocytosis & Exocystosis

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Endocytosis and Exocytosis

Endocytosis and exocytosis are two other ways in which substances can be actively transported across membranes using ATP.

Endocytosis

Endocytosis

  • Endocytosis is when a cell engulfs a substance from its surroundings.
  • This is achieved by the fluid cell membrane folding around the substance.
  • At this point, the substance will separate from the membrane and enter into the cytoplasm in a membrane-bound vesicle.
Phagocytosis

Phagocytosis

  • Phagocytosis (the condition of “cell eating”) is a type of endocytosis in which large particles, such as cells, are taken in by a cell.
    • For example, when microorganisms invade the human body, a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil will remove the invaders through this process.
  • In preparation for phagocytosis, a portion of the inward-facing surface of the plasma membrane becomes coated with a protein called clathrin, which stabilizes this section of the membrane.
Other types of endocytosis

Other types of endocytosis

  • Pinocytosis:
    • This is a process that takes in liquid molecules, including water, which the cell needs from the extracellular fluid.
  • Receptor-mediated endocytosis:
    • In this process the uptake of substances by the cell is targeted to a single type of substance that binds to the receptor on the external surface of the cell membrane
Diagram
Exocytosis

Exocytosis

  • Exocytosis is when membrane-bound vesicles fuse with plasma membranes before releasing the substances within them into their surroundings.
  • Exocytosis is the process used by cells when they have produced a substance that needs to be exported (e.g. proteins) and when there are toxins that need to be removed from the cell.
    • An example of exocytosis is the secretion of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft by synaptic vesicles.
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Cell Respiration

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6

Form & Function - Cells

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Membranes & Membrane Transport

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8

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Enzymes

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Photosynthesis

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Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

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Integration of Body Systems

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Defence Against Disease

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Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

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Continuity & Change - Molecules

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Continuity & Change - Cells

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Continuity & Change - Organisms

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Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

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Practice questions on Endocytosis & Exocystosis

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  1. 1
    What is the name given to the process where a cell engulfs a substance from its surroundings?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Which two processes are involved in the active transport across membranes?Fill in the list
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Active Movement Across Membranes

Cell Membrane Structure & Permeability