Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!
Multiple Choice
In the context of cell signaling and the immune response, what is the primary role of memory cells?
A
To provide a rapid and enhanced response upon re-exposure to a specific antigen
B
To directly destroy pathogens during the initial infection
C
To produce antibodies during the primary immune response
D
To suppress the activity of helper T cells
0 Comments
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of memory cells in the immune system. Memory cells are specialized lymphocytes (B cells and T cells) that are formed after an initial exposure to a specific antigen during the primary immune response.
Step 2: Recall the primary role of memory cells. Their main function is to 'remember' the specific antigen and provide a rapid and enhanced immune response upon re-exposure to the same antigen.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options based on the role of memory cells. For example, memory cells do not directly destroy pathogens (this is the role of cytotoxic T cells) or suppress helper T cells (this is the role of regulatory T cells).
Step 4: Clarify that memory cells are not primarily responsible for producing antibodies during the primary immune response. This is the role of plasma cells derived from B cells during the initial infection.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is: 'To provide a rapid and enhanced response upon re-exposure to a specific antigen,' as this aligns with the primary function of memory cells in adaptive immunity.