In: Biology
You are observing a cell process in which small vesicles continually merge with the cell membrane. A number of different treatments known to influence the secretion of specific materials seems to have no effect on the process. What type of secretion appears to be occurring and why do different treatments have no effect on process?
Exocytosis is the process of vesicles fusing with the plasma
membrane and releasing their contents to the outside of the
cell.
Exocytosis occurs when a cell produces substances for export, such
as a protein, or when the cell is getting rid of a waste product or
a toxin.
It is an active transport process that requires energy.
Exocytosis can be broadly classified in to two:
• Ca2+ triggered non-constitutive (regulated exocytosis)
Mainly requires an external signal, a specific sorting signal on
the vesicles, as well as an increase in intracellular
calcium.
• Non Ca2+ triggered constitutive exocytosis ( non regulated
exocytosis)
Performed by all cells and serves the release of components of the
extracellular matrix or delivery of newly synthesized membrane
proteins that are incorporated in the plasma membrane after the
fusion of the transport vesicle.
In "Constitutive exocytosis", the chemical messengers are
constantly secreted, and the reactions that lead to exocytosis are
not regulated by intracellular signals.
So no effect when treating with different substances.