Final answer:
Transport vesicles facilitate active transport in cells, playing critical roles in endocytosis, exocytosis, and the transfer of materials between organelles such as the ER, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Role of Transport Vesicles in Cellular Processes
Transport vesicles are essential for active transport in cells, requiring energy to move large molecules across the plasma membrane. Their role is vital in processes such as endocytosis, exocytosis, and inter-organelle material movement.
Endocytosis
Endocytosis involves the cell membrane enveloping a substance, forming a vesicle to bring it into the cell. This process is used for large particles (phagocytosis) or liquid with dissolved substances (pinocytosis).
Exocytosis
Exocytosis is the reverse of endocytosis where vesicles containing substances fuse with the plasma membrane to release contents outside the cell, such as the secretion of hormones or neurotransmitters.
Transport within the Cell
Vesicles also shuttle materials between organelles, such as moving proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, and carrying waste materials to lysosomes for breakdown and expulsion.