DOCKED VESICLE Meaning and
Definition
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A docked vesicle refers to a membrane-bound organelle within cells that has come into close proximity and established physical contact with the target membrane to which it is destined to fuse. It is a specialized structure involved in cellular transport and communication.
A vesicle is a small bubble-like sac that is formed by the cell's membrane, containing various substances such as proteins, lipids, or neurotransmitters. These vesicles play a crucial role in transporting and delivering these substances to specific destinations within the cell or outside of it.
When a vesicle is said to be docked, it means that it has moved close to its target membrane and has aligned itself in a way that allows for subsequent fusion. The docking of vesicles is a critical step in the process of exocytosis, where the contents of the vesicle are released to the extracellular space or transported to another cellular compartment.
Docking is mediated by specific proteins present on both the vesicle and the target membrane. These proteins recognize each other and form a complex, ensuring the correct docking of the vesicle and the subsequent fusion of the membranes. Once docks are formed, the vesicle is securely held in place, preparing it for the fusion event.
The precise and controlled docking of vesicles is essential for the proper functioning of cellular processes such as neurotransmission, hormone release, and protein transport. Defects in vesicle docking can lead to impairments in cellular communication, secretion, and overall cell function.
Common Misspellings for DOCKED VESICLE
- socked vesicle
- xocked vesicle
- cocked vesicle
- focked vesicle
- rocked vesicle
- eocked vesicle
- dicked vesicle
- dkcked vesicle
- dlcked vesicle
- dpcked vesicle
- d0cked vesicle
- d9cked vesicle
- doxked vesicle
- dovked vesicle
- dofked vesicle
- dodked vesicle
- docjed vesicle
- docmed vesicle
- docled vesicle
- docoed vesicle
Etymology of DOCKED VESICLE
The etymology of the term "docked vesicle" involves analyzing the origins of its constituent words.
1. Docked: The word "docked" originated from the Middle English word "dokken". It was derived from the Old English "docian" or "doccian", meaning "to cut off" or "to cut short". The term "docked" refers to shortening or cutting a specific part of something.
2. Vesicle: The word "vesicle" stems from the Latin word "vesicula", which means "small sac" or "bladder". It is also related to the Latin word "vesica", signifying a "bladder". In biology, a vesicle refers to a small fluid-filled sac or a membrane-bound structure within a cell.
When combined, "docked vesicle" describes a vesicle that has been shortened or cut off in some manner.
