Compare endocytosis and exocytosis.

One way I have helped my students to remember the difference between the two is in their names. Endocytosis sounds like “enter”’and exocytosis sounds like “exit.” Each are methods of transporting molecules and materials into and out of the cell.

endocystosis is the process of taking materials into the cell through the cell membrane. There are two different types that are mainly focused on in Biology courses. One type is phagocytosis, which is when the cell engulfs, or “eats,” the material that is needed or wanted inside of the cell. The other type is pinocytosis, in which the cell takes in liquids, as if it was “drinking” the material that it wants to take in the cell.

The reverse proces of the above is exocystosis. This is the process where materials are needing to “exit” the cell via the cell membrane. Materials exiting the cell are generally waste materials. Other materials that exit the cell are helpful to the organism, such as enzymes.

A great resource that I have used in my classroom is a YouTube channel called, The Amoeba Sisters. Very helpful, informative, and easy to understand videos with all things related to Biology.

As their names suggest, endocytosis and exocytosis refer to the movement of molecules in and out of a particular cell, respectively. During endocytosis for example, the cell might take in nutrients or pathogens, while during exocytosis, it might release hormones, enzymes, or expel waste. Endocytosis and exocytosis, both of which employ the use of vesicles, are the two processes that comprise something called bulk transport, which, along with facilitated diffusion and active transport, is another way of moving materials in and out of a cell.
During endocytosis, vesicles on the surface of the cellular membrane engulf the substance, a protein or polysaccharide, for example, and ingest it into the cell. When substances need to be ejected from the cell, secretory vesicles accomplish this task by fusing to the cell’s membrane and releasing these substances outside the cell.