The surface area of a plasma membrane increases
A) during exocytosis but not during endocytosis.
B) only if a severe osmotic imbalance occurs causing excess water to rush into the cell.
C) during both endocytosis and exocytosis as incoming and outgoing vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane.
D) during endocytosis but not during exocytosis.
E) when forming clathrin-coated pits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During exocytosis, vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane, adding their membrane to it and increasing the surface area. During endocytosis, the membrane is used to form vesicles, which decreases the surface area.

The Surface Area of a Plasma Membrane Increases