Final answer:
Exocytic pathways export materials out of the cell via secretory vesicles, while endocytic pathways import substances into the cell through plasma membrane enveloping mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between exocytic and endocytic pathways is that exocytic pathways are involved in exporting materials out of the cell, whereas endocytic pathways are responsible for importing substances into the cell. In exocytosis, secretory vesicles carry substances to the plasma membrane, and upon fusion, these substances are released into the extracellular space. This process is used by various cells including those in the stomach and pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes, as well as by endocrine cells to secrete hormones. On the other hand, endocytosis includes processes like phagocytosis and receptor-mediated endocytosis, which involve the plasma membrane enveloping substances to form vesicles that then carry these materials into the cell for various functions such as digestion or response to signals.