Question

How does endocytosis play a role in human health? Please describe at least two examples.

Answer 1

The process of endocytosis can be defined as ,it is the way of transportation of molecules actively into the cell,by swallowing the cell by using its membrane. There are two kind of processes namely endocytosis and exocytosis which are used to transport the molecules which are impermeable in nature. The process of exocytosis is pushing the molecules from the cell into the exterior. Which having the opposite function of endocytosis.endo the exocytosis and endocytosis should occur simultaneously to keep a homeostasis condition that is,equal volume of molecules passing into and out of the cell.

If there is a homeostasis condition,there will be a balance in nutrients and waste which is helpful for the cell's life and function. The components in the endocytic pathway involves,

• Early endosomes (recieve vesicles on the surface of cell)
• Late endosomes(receive vesicles from early endoaoend)
• Lysosomes ( helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates, nutrients with the help of protein.)

The endocytosis are classified into four types namely.

1. Caveolae
2. Macropinocytosis
3. Receptor mediated endocytosis
4. Phagocytosis

The factors affecting the process of endocytosis involves,

• Receptor signalling
• Nutrient uptake
• Remodelling of membrane
• Pathogen entry
• Neurotransmission

The examples of endocytosis are,

1. Macropinocytosis: In this there occurs an invading action of the membrane of the cell to form a pocket like structure which is then rip off to form the vesicles . The vesicles fills with large volume of molecules and extracellular proteins. This process occurs with the help of lysosomes and endosomes and then the vesicles get fused.
2. Clathrin mediated endosomes:which is a cytosolic protein,helps to form a coating over the molecule in the form of,

• Low density lipid
• Transferrin
• Growth factors
• Antibodies

Answer 2