The Continual Movement and Exchange of Vesicles to and from the Plasma

Question

The continual movement and exchange of vesicles to and from the plasma membrane is called ________.
A) osmosis
B) active transport
C) membrane flow
D) facilitated diffusion
E) exocytosis

Accepted Answer

The movement and exchange of vesicles between the plasma membrane and the cytoplasm is referred to as membrane flow. This process plays an essential role in maintaining the integrity, size, and shape of the cell membrane. The movement of lipids and proteins occurs via vesicles that can either integrate into the plasma membrane or aid in cell secretion through exocytosis. While osmosis, active transport, facilitated diffusion, and exocytosis are all cellular processes, membrane flow is the only term that describes the constant movement and exchange of vesicles to and from the plasma membrane.