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7.9: Introduction to Endocytosis and Exocytosis

  • Page ID
    43593
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    Describe the primary mechanisms by which cells import and export macromolecules

    In addition to moving small ions and molecules through the membrane, cells also need to remove and take in larger molecules and particles. Some cells are even capable of engulfing entire unicellular microorganisms. You might have correctly hypothesized that the uptake and release of large particles by the cell requires energy. A large particle, however, cannot pass through the membrane, even with energy supplied by the cell.

    There are two primary mechanisms that transport these large particles: endocytosis and exocytosis.

    What You’ll Learn to Do

    • Describe endocytosis and identify different varieties of import, including phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis
    • Identify the steps of exocytosis

    Learning Activities

    The learning activities for this section include the following:

    • Endocytosis
    • Exocytosis
    • Self Check: Endocytosis and Exocytosis

    Contributors and Attributions

    CC licensed content, Original
    • Authored by: Shelli Carter and Lumen Learning. Provided by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution
    CC licensed content, Shared previously

    7.9: Introduction to Endocytosis and Exocytosis is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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