Free course

Intracellular transport

Free statement of participation on completion
More about this course

Course description

Course content

Course reviews

This free course, Intracellular transport, explains the function of the cytoskeleton and its role in controlling transport of vesicles between different subcellular compartments.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • define and use each of the terms printed in bold in the text
  • describe the characteristics of different intracellular compartments with respect to their structure, location and composition within a mammalian cell
  • describe the traffic pathways between the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, the endosomal compartments, and the basolateral and apical regions of the plasma membrane
  • give examples of regulated and unregulated secretion, the mechanisms controlling the processes, and their functional significance
  • give examples of endocytosis, the mechanisms involved and their functional significance.

You can start this course right now without signing-up. Click on any of the course content sections below to start at any point in this course.
If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.

Course content

Expand all course content

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

Take your learning further

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses.

If you are new to university level study, find out more about the types of qualifications we offer, including our entry level Access courses and Certificates.

Not ready for University study then browse over 900 free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus

S377_3