The volume provides an overview of the current status of exocytosis and to define future goals.Exocytosis, a universal process of eukaryotic cells, consisting of the fusion between the vesicle and the plasma membrane is an important topic in cell biology, physiology, biophysics, biochemistry and many other disciplines. The understanding of this rather complex process is essential for the understanding of normal function of unicellular and multicellular organisms from animal to plant kingdoms and in pathological conditions as well. During the last three decades a rapid increase in the number of research papers addressing this topic have been published.The development of our understanding of exocytosis spans the initial evidences that "something is being released" from cells to the description of extensive physiological, biophysical, molecular and genetic properties of the process. A list of key proteins involved in exocytosis in a number of cell types has been identified, but work is still being done to come to a consensus about a mechanism or mechanisms that describe the interplay of key players in functional terms.NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas .ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order ( www.nyas.org ). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit www.nyas.org/membership/main.asp for more information about becoming a member.