| endosome | 1. <cell biology> Endocytotic vesicle derived from the plasma membrane. More specifically an acidic nonlysosomal compartment in which receptor ligand complexes dissociate. 2. A chromatinic body near the centre of a vesicular nucleus in some protozoa. Origin: Gr. Soma = body (18 Nov 1997) |
|---|---|
| endosomes | Cytoplasmic vesicles formed when coated vesicles shed their clathrin coat. Endosomes internalise macromolecules bound by receptors on the cell surface. (12 Dec 1998) |