GED Science TestLife ScienceMedium
A medical student is learning about the human immune system. They are taught that a specific type of white blood cell is primarily responsible for producing antibodies to fight off infections. Which of the following cells fits this description?
- AT-lymphocyte
- BB-lymphocyte
- CMacrophage
- DNeutrophil
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. B-lymphocyte
B-lymphocytes (B cells) are the immune cells primarily responsible for producing antibodies. Upon activation, they differentiate into plasma cells, which are antibody factories, playing a crucial role in humoral immunity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. T-lymphocytes (T cells) are involved in cell-mediated immunity, directly killing infected cells or regulating immune responses, but they do not produce antibodies.
- C. Macrophages are phagocytes that engulf pathogens and present antigens, but they do not produce antibodies.
- D. Neutrophils are phagocytes and are part of the innate immune system, primarily involved in acute inflammation, but they do not produce antibodies.
B-lymphocyte (B cell)
B-lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) that plays a central role in humoral immunity by differentiating into plasma cells and producing antibodies.
- Originate and mature in bone marrow.
- Recognize specific antigens through B cell receptors.
- Differentiate into plasma cells upon activation.
- Plasma cells produce and secrete antibodies.
Memory trick: B for B-cell, B for Bodyguards (antibodies)!