Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

exocytose

verb

ek-soh-sah-tohs

Definition

The process by which substances are expelled from a cell through the fusion of a vesicle with the cell membrane.

Examples

The cell used exocytose to release neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.
Exocytose is essential for the secretion of insulin from pancreatic cells.
During exocytosis, the vesicle membrane joins with the cell membrane, releasing its contents.

Meaning

Exocytose refers to the cellular mechanism that allows for the release of materials, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, from the inside of a cell to the outside environment.