Biology
Biology
12th Edition
ISBN: 9780134813448
Author: Audesirk, Teresa, Gerald, Byers, Bruce E.
Publisher: Pearson,
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 37, Problem 1MC
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Adaptive immunity is also called the acquired immune system. It is a selective immunity in which B or T lymphocytes are involved. The two subdivisions of an adaptive immunity are cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The plasma cells of B cells synthesize antibodies that provide immunity against the infection. Each antigen has its specific antibodies and each antibody binds to a specific antigen. Therefore, option (b) is correct.

Option (b) is given as “produces antibodies with sites that can bind one or a few antigens”.

Explanation of Solution

Justify reason for the correct statement:

In humoral immunity, antibodies are involved. The B cell antibody recognizes the pathogen that travels in the bloodstream and lymph resulting in their destruction. During the first exposure of antigen, the lymphocytes (B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes) undergo division which results in the formation of plasma cell and memory cells.

The antibodies are secreted by B cells into the bloodstream which is presented on the surface of B cells to which antigen binds. The end of each arm of a heavy and light chain of an antibody consists of variable region which provides a site for antigen binding that binds to a specific antigen.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Justify reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as “produces antibodies with sites that can bind many different antigens”.

B cell produces antibodies but each antibody is responsible for the binding of specific antigens. It cannot bind to different kinds of antigens as each antigen has its specific antibodies. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as “is capable of responding to many unrelated pathogens”.

Each antibody is specific to a particular antigen. It cannot respond to different pathogens as each antibody is antigen specific. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as “kills body cells infected with viruses”

Virus-infected cells are not killed by antibodies. Both natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells recognize infected and cancerous cells by their different surface protein patterns. They recognize these cells as foreign or non-self cells of the body and kill them. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

B cells produce antibodies into the bloodstream. The amino acid sequence of variable regions of antibody is different in all antibody molecules. Due to this, each antigen has its specific antibodies.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
To become a fully activated, antibody-secreting cell, B cellsusually need:(a) To encounter an antigen or receive a signal delivered bya T helper cell(b) To ingest a foreign invader such as a microbe(c) Activation by a plasma cell(d) Contact with an antigen and T helper cell cytokines
Choose the most accurate characteristic of B cells.     A) They help establish and control the sensitivity of the immune response.     B) They stimulate the activities of T cells.     C) They attack foreign cells, normal cells infected with viruses, and cancer cells that appear in normal tissues.     D) They continually monitor peripheral tissues.     E) They differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies.
Which of these cell types aids the activation of T lymphocytes by antigens? a. Macrophages b. Neutrophils c. Mast cells d. Natural killer cells

Chapter 37 Solutions

Biology

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Medical Terminology for Health Professions, Spira...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781305634350
Author:Ann Ehrlich, Carol L. Schroeder, Laura Ehrlich, Katrina A. Schroeder
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
Text book image
Body Structures & Functions Updated
Biology
ISBN:9780357191606
Author:Scott
Publisher:Cengage
Immune System and Immune Response Animation; Author: Medical Sciences Animations;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDdbUBXPKc4;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY
Immune response: summary; Author: Dr Bhavsar Biology;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADANgHkX4OY;License: Standard Youtube License