What is the relationship between endocytosis and exocytosis?

They are both types of requiring the use of energy by the cell and they are the opposite processes.
Endocytosis is a type of active transport in which a cell takes in a macromolecule such as a protein or polysaccharide or a even another cell. In this process the engulfs the substance by pinching inward forming a vesicle around the substance which is brought into the cell.
Exocytosis is a type of active transport in which a cell a cell expells a macromolecule such as a hormone or an enzyme or cellular waste. In this process the Golgi body packages the molecule into a vacuole which then fuses with the cell membrane spilling its contents into the area surrounding the cell.
The following diagram represents endocytosis.
The following diagram represents exocytosis in which a substance has been packaged within a vesicle by the Golgi body. The plasma membrane of the vesicle then fuses with the cell membrane and its contents are expelled.

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Powered by WordPress | Designed by: Premium WordPress Themes | Thanks to Themes Gallery, Bromoney and Wordpress Themes