Sample interview questions: Tell us about your knowledge of cellular transport mechanisms, such as endocytosis and exocytosis.
Sample answer:
Cellular Transport Mechanisms (Endocytosis and Exocytosis):
Endocytosis:
- Phagocytosis:
- Cells engulf large particles, such as microbes or cellular debris, into a phagocytic vesicle.
-
Mechanism employed by immune cells.
-
Pinocytosis:
- Cells ingest extracellular fluid and small molecules non-selectively into vesicles called pinosomes.
-
Plays a role in nutrient uptake.
-
Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis:
- Common endocytic mechanism involving the formation of clathrin-coated pits on the plasma membrane.
-
Internalized molecules are delivered to early endosomes for sorting.
-
Caveolae-Mediated Endocytosis:
- Specialized endocytic mechanism involving caveolae, small flask-shaped invaginations on the plasma membrane.
- Involved in the uptake of specific molecules, such as cholesterol.
Exocytosis:
- Constitutive Exocytosis:
- Continuously occurring process where cells release molecules, such as proteins or hormones, to the … Read full answer