Intracellular recognition mechanisms. Physiopathologic implications.

The cell has two distinct organelle systems specialized in the sorting of membranes molecules: the Golgi complex for outward (exocitic) membrane traffic and the endosomal system for inward (endocytic) membrane traffic. Receptor mediated endocytosis allows the cell to internalize specific molecules like LDL, Fe, growth factors and IgA. Within the cell these molecules can follow different pathways, while their receptors are recycled to the plasma membrane.