Cytosis

Definition of Cytosis from the PharmacyDictionary.in

Cytosis

Synonyms or meaning of Cytosis

Cytosis is a fundamental cellular process by which cells move various materials, including liquids, nutrients, and waste products, across their membranes. It’s essentially the cell’s way of bringing things in and out.

There are three main types of cytosis:

  1. Endocytosis: This is the process of bringing material into the cell. The cell membrane folds inwards, engulfing the material to form a small sac called a vesicle. There are different types of endocytosis depending on the specific cargo being brought in:

    • Phagocytosis: Literally “cellular eating,” this is how cells engulf large particles, like bacteria or dead cells. White blood cells use phagocytosis to fight infection.
    • Pinocytosis: This refers to “cellular drinking,” where the cell takes in fluids and dissolved molecules.
    • Receptor-mediated endocytosis: In this targeted process, specific molecules bind to receptors on the cell surface, triggering the formation of a vesicle to bring those specific molecules into the cell.

  2. Exocytosis: This is the opposite of endocytosis, and it’s how cells transport materials out of the cell. Vesicles containing the material to be released bud off from the internal membranes and fuse with the cell membrane, releasing the contents outside the cell. This is how cells secrete hormones, enzymes, and other signaling molecules.

  3. Transcytosis: This is a specialized process where a vesicle carries material across the cell from one side of the cell to the other. This is important in some tissues, like the lining of the intestines, where substances need to be moved from one side of the cell layer to the other.

Here are some additional points to remember about cytosis:

  • These processes require energy from the cell to function.
  • Cytosis plays a critical role in many cellular functions, including nutrient uptake, waste removal, communication between cells, and immune response.
  • Disruptions in cytosis can be linked to various diseases.

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