ENDOCYTOSE Meaning and
Definition
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Endocytose is a verb that refers to the process by which a cell takes in or internalizes particles, molecules, or other substances from the external environment by invaginating or folding its cell membrane. This process is vital for various physiological functions, including the uptake of nutrients, regulation of receptor activity, and removal of waste material from the cell.
During endocytosis, the cell membrane forms a small pocket or invagination that surrounds the desired substance, eventually pinching off to create an intracellular vesicle. This vesicle then travels through the cell cytoplasm to deliver the internalized material to its intended destination, such as a specific organelle or compartment within the cell.
There are several different types of endocytosis, including phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis, each characterized by the nature of the cargo being internalized and the mechanisms involved. Phagocytosis involves engulfing large particles, such as bacteria or cellular debris, while pinocytosis refers to the intake of fluids or solutes. Receptor-mediated endocytosis occurs when specific molecules bind to cell surface receptors, stimulating their internalization along with the bound ligand.
Overall, endocytose is a fundamental process in cellular biology that enables cells to acquire necessary nutrients, maintain homeostasis, and communicate with the external environment.
Common Misspellings for ENDOCYTOSE
- wndocytose
- sndocytose
- dndocytose
- rndocytose
- 4ndocytose
- 3ndocytose
- ebdocytose
- emdocytose
- ejdocytose
- ehdocytose
- ensocytose
- enxocytose
- encocytose
- enfocytose
- enrocytose
- eneocytose
- endicytose
- endkcytose
- endlcytose
- endpcytose
Etymology of ENDOCYTOSE
The word "endocytose" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "endo" and "kytos".
The prefix "endo-" means "inside" or "within". It is commonly used in scientific terminology to indicate something happening internally or inside a specific structure. For example, "endothermic" describes a process that absorbs heat from its surroundings.
The root "kytos" refers to the cell. It is used in various biological terms related to cells, such as "cytoplasm" (the substance within cells) and "cytology" (the study of cells).
Therefore, "endocytose" is formed by combining these two elements to describe a cellular process in which substances are taken into the cell by the invagination of the cell membrane and the formation of a vesicle.
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