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Vesicles

Definition

Vesicles are small membrane-bound sacs that function in moving materials within a cell as well as interactions between cells.

Analogy

Consider vesicles like delivery trucks inside our body's cells. They pick up packages from various departments (organelles) and deliver them either internally or externally based on instructions they carry.

Related terms

Endocytosis: A cellular process in which substances are brought into a cell by surrounding it with a portion of its membrane forming a vesicle.

Exocytosis: The process by which contents of a cell vacuole are released to the exterior through fusion of the vacuole membrane with the cell membrane using vesicles.

Phagocytosis: A type of endocytosis wherein large particles are engulfed by cells forming phagosomes, a type of vesicle.

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Subjects (1)



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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.