Merocrine glands release their secretions by which process?

• A. Apocrine secretion
• B. Phagocytosis
• C. Endocytosis
• D. Exocytosis

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of merocrine glands: Merocrine glands are a type of exocrine gland that release their secretions without losing any part of the cell. This is different from apocrine glands, which release secretions along with portions of the cell membrane.
2. Review the process of exocytosis: Exocytosis is a cellular process where vesicles containing substances (like enzymes or sweat) fuse with the plasma membrane to release their contents outside the cell. This is a common mechanism for secretion in merocrine glands.
3. Compare exocytosis with other processes: Apocrine secretion involves the loss of part of the cell membrane, phagocytosis is a process of engulfing particles, and endocytosis is the process of taking substances into the cell. None of these match the mechanism used by merocrine glands.
4. Identify the correct process: Since merocrine glands release their secretions directly through vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane, the correct process is exocytosis.
5. Conclude the explanation: Merocrine glands utilize exocytosis to release their secretions efficiently without damaging the cell, making this process distinct from other secretion mechanisms like apocrine secretion.