Question

Explain the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Answer 1

• Receptors are the proteins which are embedded in the cell membrane,
• These protein receptors are target specific and will only mediate the transport of certain specific substances, molecule, or hormone.
• Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a type of endocytosis where receptor proteins are present on the surface of the cell membrane where the molecule that is to be engulfed or transported inside the cell will be attached.
• After the molecule is attached to the surface of the receptor, the receptor will undergo a conformational change so that the molecule is transported from one side of the cell membrane to the other side.
  
• As shown in the above figure a ligand arrives and attaches with the receptor present on the cell membrane after which the membrane folds itself inwardly and forms a vesicle which later combines with a lysosome where it is digested inside the vesicle. This is one function for which endocytosis is used.
• Thus receptor-mediated endocytosis is mainly used for the transport of different kinds of molecules inside the cell using their specific receptors present on the cell membrane.