Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

Antigens

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Antigens

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Problem 10

Textbook Question

When naïve B cells are activated, they differentiate into:
a. Plasma cells
b. Memory cells
c. Both a and b
d. None of the above

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of naïve B cells in the immune system. Naïve B cells are immature B cells that have not yet encountered their specific antigen. They play a critical role in adaptive immunity by producing antibodies when activated.

Step 2: Learn about the activation process of naïve B cells. Activation occurs when a naïve B cell binds to its specific antigen via its B-cell receptor (BCR) and receives additional signals from helper T cells. This triggers the differentiation process.

Step 3: Explore the differentiation pathways of activated B cells. Once activated, naïve B cells can differentiate into two main types of cells: plasma cells, which produce and secrete antibodies, and memory B cells, which persist in the body to provide long-term immunity.

Step 4: Analyze the options provided in the question. Option 'a' refers to plasma cells, option 'b' refers to memory cells, option 'c' refers to both plasma and memory cells, and option 'd' states none of the above.

Step 5: Based on the biological process of B cell activation and differentiation, determine which option correctly describes the outcome of naïve B cell activation. Remember that both plasma cells and memory cells are produced during this process.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Naïve B Cells

Naïve B cells are a type of white blood cell that have not yet encountered their specific antigen. They circulate in the bloodstream and lymphatic system, ready to respond to pathogens. Upon activation by an antigen, they undergo differentiation, which is crucial for the adaptive immune response.

Differentiation of B Cells

Differentiation is the process by which naïve B cells transform into specialized cells after activation. This can lead to the formation of plasma cells, which produce antibodies, or memory B cells, which provide long-term immunity. Understanding this process is essential for grasping how the immune system adapts to infections.

Plasma Cells and Memory Cells

Plasma cells are the effector form of B cells that secrete large quantities of antibodies to neutralize pathogens. Memory cells, on the other hand, remain in the body after an infection has been cleared, allowing for a faster and more effective response upon re-exposure to the same antigen. Both cell types are critical for a robust immune response.