Receptor-mediated endocytosis

Definition

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a cellular process in which cells absorb external substances through the inward budding of the plasma membrane, facilitated by specific receptor proteins. These receptors ensure that only target molecules are engulfed into vesicles for internalization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Receptor-mediated endocytosis involves clathrin-coated pits on the cell membrane.
2. It is highly selective due to the specificity of receptor-ligand interactions.
3. This process helps regulate the uptake of hormones, nutrients, and other essential molecules.
4. After internalization, vesicles often fuse with early endosomes where sorting occurs.
5. Dysfunction in receptor-mediated endocytosis can lead to various diseases, including hypercholesterolemia.

Review Questions

• What role do clathrin-coated pits play in receptor-mediated endocytosis?
• How does receptor-mediated endocytosis ensure specificity in molecule uptake?
• What can be the consequence of dysfunctional receptor-mediated endocytosis?

Related terms

Phagocytosis:

A form of endocytosis where large particles such as cells or debris are engulfed by the cell.

Endosome: A membrane-bound compartment inside eukaryotic cells involved in sorting and trafficking of internalized materials.

Ligand: A molecule that binds specifically to a receptor site of another molecule.