What is the relationship between endocytosis and exocytosis?

1 Answer
Oct 20, 2015

They are both types of active transport, requiring the use of energy by the cell, and they are the opposite processes.

Explanation:

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 cell membrane 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.

http://www.biologyexams4u.com/2012/06/membrane-transport-for-macromolecules.html#.Via73n6rTcs
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.

http://www.biologyexams4u.com/2012/06/membrane-transport-for-macromolecules.html#.Via73n6rTcs