USMLE Forum - Largest USMLE Community

A genetic mutation is identified that results in an abnormal clathrin structure. This defect would adversely affect which of the following processes?
A. Active transport.
B. Facilitated diffusion
C. Pinocytosis
D. Receptor-mediated endocytosis
E. Signal transduction

D..

cc

The correct answer is D. Receptor-mediated endocytosis refers to the engulfment of a molecule that binds to a receptor on the surface of the cell. This commonly occurs at clathrin-coated pits on the plasma membrane, and abnormal clathrin molecules can disrupt this process

Pinocytosis (choice C) is also known as fluid-phase endocytosis and refers to the uptake of molecules that are in solution. Receptors are not involved.