When a cell needs to get rid of waste products and push them OUT OF THE CELL, which term best describe the process by which cells release substances from the cell?
a
endocytosis
b
phagocytosis
c
exocytosis
d
pinocytosis
c
exocytosis
The correct answer is c) exocytosis. Exocytosis is the process by which cells release substances from the cell, typically waste products or cellular products such as hormones, enzymes, or neurotransmitters. During exocytosis, a vesicle containing the substance fuses with the cell membrane and releases its contents outside of the cell.
The term that best describes the process by which cells release substances from the cell is c) exocytosis.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the definitions of the terms provided:
a) Endocytosis is a process by which cells take in substances by wrapping them in a portion of the cell membrane to form a vesicle. This process is used for internalizing materials into the cell, not releasing them.
b) Phagocytosis is a specialized form of endocytosis where cells engulf solid particles and enclose them in vesicles. Again, this process involves the intake of substances, not their release.
c) Exocytosis is the process by which cells release substances from the cell. During exocytosis, a vesicle containing the substances fuses with the cell membrane, allowing the release of its contents into the extracellular space.
d) Pinocytosis is a form of endocytosis where cells engulf liquid droplets from the extracellular environment. Similarly to endocytosis and phagocytosis, pinocytosis involves the intake of substances, not their release.
Therefore, the correct term that describes the process of releasing substances from the cell is exocytosis (c).