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Exocytosis definitions

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  • Exocytosis
    Secretion of molecules outside the cell via vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane, involving movement, docking, fusion, and content release.
  • Constitutive Secretory Pathway
    Continuous route supplying the plasma membrane with new lipids and exporting molecules without requiring external signals.
  • Regulated Secretory Pathway
    Specialized route in certain cells where vesicles store molecules and release them only upon receiving a specific signal, often calcium.
  • Plasma Membrane
    Cell boundary composed of lipids and proteins, receiving new components from vesicle fusion during secretion.
  • Secretory Vesicle
    Membrane-bound compartment storing molecules for export, traveling to and fusing with the plasma membrane to release contents.
  • Microtubule
    Cytoskeletal structure guiding vesicles from their origin to the cell surface for targeted secretion.
  • Docking
    Step where a vesicle positions itself closely at the plasma membrane, preparing for fusion and content release.
  • Fusion
    Process where vesicle and plasma membranes merge, allowing stored molecules to exit the cell.
  • Extracellular Environment
    Space outside the cell where secreted molecules are released following exocytosis.
  • Polarized Membrane
    Plasma membrane with distinct chemical domains, directing vesicles to specific regions for targeted secretion.
  • Sorting Signal
    Molecular cue ensuring vesicles are directed to the correct plasma membrane domain for fusion.
  • Endocytosis
    Process balancing exocytosis by internalizing excess plasma membrane and extracellular material.
  • Cargo
    Molecules or substances transported within vesicles for secretion outside the cell.
  • Neurotransmitter
    Signaling molecule stored in vesicles, released into the extracellular space during nerve cell exocytosis.
  • Calcium
    Common signaling ion triggering vesicle fusion and content release in the regulated secretory pathway.