This volume was first published in 1980. Coated vesicles are distinct organelles whose existence has been recognized for many years. Since the original observations of the invaginations of erythroblast and oocyte membranes, coated vesicles have been found associated with a wide variety of membranes and they have been seen to be of importance in the uptake and transport of peptides, proteins and lipoproteins as well as in some cases as mediators of immune function. This book is a comprehensive treatment of coated vesicles and their involvement in the process of endocytosis (the engulfment of material in membranous enclosures).