ENDOCYTE Meaning and
Definition
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Endocyte is a scientific term that refers to a cell with the unique characteristic of being able to specifically target certain molecules or substances. These cells possess the capability to actively internalize and accumulate these substances within their own cytoplasm. Endocytes are essential components of various physiological processes and play a significant role in mediating the transportation of nutrients, ions, and other molecules throughout an organism.
Endocytes achieve their specificity through the presence of specific receptor molecules on their cell surface. These receptors recognize and bind to target molecules or ligands, initiating a process called endocytosis. Endocytosis involves the invagination of the cell membrane, leading to the formation of vesicles that encapsulate the target molecules. These vesicles are then transported into the cytoplasm of the endocyte, where the encapsulated substances can be further processed or utilized.
The ability of endocytes to selectively target and internalize specific molecules has been extensively studied and utilized in various biomedical applications. For instance, in targeted drug delivery, endocytes can be engineered to specifically recognize and internalize therapeutic molecules, allowing for precise and efficient drug distribution within the body. This technology has promising implications for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, where targeted drug delivery can reduce side effects and increase treatment efficacy.
Overall, endocytes are specialized cells with the remarkable ability to selectively accumulate specific molecules or substances for various physiological or biomedical purposes.
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Anything, not belonging to the cell itself, contained in a cell; a cell-inclusion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENDOCYTE
- Endocyct
- wndocyte
- sndocyte
- dndocyte
- rndocyte
- 4ndocyte
- 3ndocyte
- ebdocyte
- emdocyte
- ejdocyte
- ehdocyte
- ensocyte
- enxocyte
- encocyte
- enfocyte
- enrocyte
- eneocyte
- endicyte
- endkcyte
- endlcyte
Etymology of ENDOCYTE
The word "endocyte" originates from the combination of two Greek roots: "endo" meaning "within" or "inside", and "cyte" meaning "cell". "Endo" is derived from the Greek preposition "en", meaning "in" or "into", and "cyte" comes from the Greek word "kytos", meaning "container" or "hollow". Therefore, "endocyte" literally translates to "within the cell" or "inside the cell". The term is commonly used in biology to refer to a type of cell that exists within the body's tissues or organs.
Similar spelling words for ENDOCYTE
- Undecide,
- STZ-INDUCED,
- andosite,
- andesite-porphyry,
- wentest,
- Untaste,
- entocyte,
- endocet,
- undazed,
- antiset,
- antighost,
- INTIST,
- -induced,
- endust,
- windiest,
- exercise-induced,
- industy,
- andest,
- anodized,
- WINDYCITY,
- anodised,
- induced,
- laser-induced,
- antecede,
- Intwist,
- whindust,
- antisweet,
- alcohol-induced,
- radiation-induced,
- unneatest,
- Indocid,
- human-induced,
- pregnancy-induced,
- antest,
- unitised,
- Undust,
- noise-induced,
- Unitized,
- INTSTY,
- self-induced,
- window seat,
- pressure-induced,
- stress-induced,
- indosat,
- Undset,
- endest,
- antyesti,
- wantsto,
- untwist,
- Entwist,
- INTSAT,
- untasty,
- Indusiate,
- LPS-INDUCED,
- endossed,
- wantest,
- unduest,
- Enticed,
- wendesday,
- chemotherapy-induced,
- drug-induced,
- unnoticed,
- indesit,
- andesyte,
- andesite-tuff,
- endostea,
- Windseed,
- INTSTD,
- andesite,
- anticity,
- antacid,
- INDUST.
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