Bulk Transport and Endocytosis

These flashcards cover key concepts, processes, and definitions related to bulk transport and endocytosis as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is phagocytosis?

Phagocytosis is the process in which the cell membrane surrounds and engulfs large particles or organisms.

What role does clathrin play in endocytosis?

Clathrin coats the inward-facing surface of the plasma membrane to assist in forming coated pits for endocytosis.

What is pinocytosis?

Pinocytosis is a form of endocytosis that means 'cell drinking,' where the cell takes in small volumes of extracellular fluid.

What distinguishes potocytosis from pinocytosis?

Potocytosis uses the protein caveolin and forms smaller vesicles than those formed in pinocytosis.

What is receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a targeted process where specific substances bind to receptor proteins to be brought into the cell.

What happens if receptor-mediated endocytosis fails for LDL in humans?

If this process fails, LDL (bad cholesterol) will accumulate in the blood, leading to familial hypercholesterolemia.

What is exocytosis?

Exocytosis is the process of expelling waste materials or molecules out of a cell into the extracellular fluid.

Which molecules are typically involved in primary active transport?

Primary active transport typically involves sodium, potassium, calcium, and hydrogen ions.

Define passive transport.

Passive transport is the movement of materials through a membrane that does not require energy.

What is the fluid mosaic model?

The fluid mosaic model describes the plasma membrane as a dynamic structure made of phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.