Vesicular transport is the process by which small molecules and particles are transported across a cell membrane in small membrane-bound sacs called vesicles. Bulk transport, on the other hand, involves the movement of larger molecules or substances in bulk through the cell membrane.
Vesicular transport occurs through the formation of vesicles by the cell membrane, which then fuse with the membrane of the target compartment and release their contents into the cell.
Some examples of vesicular transport include exocytosis, where vesicles release their contents outside of the cell, and endocytosis, where vesicles bring substances into the cell.
Bulk transport can transport large molecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, and even whole cells.
Bulk transport in plant cells is facilitated by the presence of a cell wall, while animal cells rely on the cell membrane for bulk transport. Additionally, plant cells have specialized structures called plasmodesmata that allow for the movement of larger molecules between cells, whereas animal cells rely on bulk transport through the extracellular matrix.