Intracellular Transport
Intracellular transport refers to the movement of materials within a cell. This process is essential for distributing proteins, lipids, and other molecules to various organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Transport mechanisms include vesicles, which are small membrane-bound sacs that carry substances, and cytoskeletal elements like microtubules that provide structural support and pathways for movement.
There are two main types of intracellular transport: anterograde and retrograde. Anterograde transport moves materials from the cell body toward the axon terminals, while retrograde transport carries substances back to the cell body. These processes are crucial for maintaining cellular function and communication.