B cells that produce and release large amounts of antibody are called:
a. Memory cells
b. Basophils
c. Plasma cells
d. Killer cells
e. Neutrophils
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is c. Plasma cells.
Explanation:
B cells are a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the immune system, particularly in the adaptive immune response. When B cells encounter an antigen (a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign, such as a pathogen), they become activated. This activation triggers their differentiation into two primary types of cells: plasma cells and memory B cells.
- Plasma cells are the cells that produce and release large amounts of antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins). These antibodies are specific to the antigen that initially triggered the immune response. Plasma cells are short-lived but highly efficient at producing large quantities of antibodies to neutralize or mark pathogens for destruction by other components of the immune system, such as phagocytes. Their primary function is to provide an immediate defense against infection.
- Memory B cells are also produced after the initial exposure to an antigen but serve a different function. They do not release antibodies immediately; instead, they remain in the body for a long period, sometimes for years. If the same pathogen infects the body again, memory B cells quickly recognize it and respond by differentiating into plasma cells to produce antibodies. This provides a quicker and more efficient immune response upon subsequent exposures, which is the basis for immunity.
Now, let’s look at the other options:
- a. Memory cells: While memory B cells are important for long-term immunity, they do not actively produce antibodies during the initial immune response. That role is reserved for plasma cells.
- b. Basophils: Basophils are a type of white blood cell involved in inflammatory responses, especially in allergic reactions, and do not produce antibodies.
- d. Killer cells: Also known as cytotoxic T cells, these cells kill infected cells directly. They do not produce antibodies.
- e. Neutrophils: Neutrophils are a type of phagocytic white blood cell that engulf pathogens, but they do not produce antibodies.
Thus, plasma cells are the ones specifically responsible for producing and releasing large amounts of antibodies to fight infections.