Exocytosis vs Pinocytosis

[zyphanx]

Just had my A-level Biology exam
got this question in my paper, pretty confusing
wanna see if I got the correct one....

The action of alpha-cell secreting glucagon is called exocytosis or pinocytosis?


and also, what's the difference between they 2?



PS: My textbook named it as exopinocytosis....
I'M SERIOUS.

[Enzyme]

- Exocytosis is the process by means of cells secrete different kinds of molecules content in a cytoplasmic vesicle from cytoplasm to extracellular (intersticial) space. It occurs in all the eukaryotic cells and it implies the fusion of the vesicular membrane with the cytoplasmic membrane. Exocytosis is very specialized in secreting cells and neurons.

- Pynocytosis is the process by means of cells ingest liquid particles or dissolved particles from extracellular (intersticial) space to cytoplasm. This process is very common in cells with nutritive function (as cells of the intestinal mucose).

Alpha cells produce and secrete glucagon, so the process is exocytosis. At better, in your textbook call them exopynocytosis because alpha cells can carry out the two processes independently. They secrete glucagon by exocytosis, but they can ingest dissolved substances by pynocytosis. Do you understand what I mean?