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Multiple Choice
Which of the following cells is primarily responsible for the production of antibodies in the adaptive immune response?
A
B lymphocytes (B cells)
B
Macrophages
C
Natural killer (NK) cells
D
Cytotoxic T cells
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the adaptive immune response: The adaptive immune response is a specific defense mechanism that targets pathogens using specialized cells and molecules. It involves the activation of lymphocytes, including B cells and T cells.
Review the function of B lymphocytes (B cells): B cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the adaptive immune response. They are responsible for producing antibodies, which are proteins that specifically bind to antigens on pathogens to neutralize or mark them for destruction.
Differentiate the roles of other cell types: Macrophages are part of the innate immune system and primarily function in phagocytosis and antigen presentation. Natural killer (NK) cells are also part of the innate immune system and target virus-infected or cancerous cells. Cytotoxic T cells (a type of T lymphocyte) are part of the adaptive immune system but are responsible for directly killing infected or abnormal cells, not producing antibodies.
Identify the correct cell type: Based on the information above, B lymphocytes (B cells) are the cells primarily responsible for the production of antibodies in the adaptive immune response.
Conclude the reasoning: The other cell types listed (macrophages, NK cells, and cytotoxic T cells) do not produce antibodies, making B cells the correct answer to the question.