Clonal Selection of B Cells Activated by Antigen Exposure Leads

Question

Clonal selection of B cells activated by antigen exposure leads to production of
A) large numbers of neutrophils.
B) large quantities of the antigen initially recognized.
C) vast numbers of B cells with random antigen-recognition receptors.
D) long-lived erythrocytes that can later secrete antibodies for the antigen.
E) short-lived plasma cells that secrete antibodies for the antigen.

Accepted Answer

Clonal selection of B cells leads to the production of short-lived plasma cells that secrete antibodies for the antigen. During clonal selection, the B cell with the antigen-specific receptor is selected and undergoes clonal expansion to produce a large number of identical B cells, which differentiate into plasma cells that secrete large quantities of antibodies specific for the antigen. These plasma cells are short-lived and produce antibodies for a short period of time before undergoing apoptosis. This process provides the body with a rapid and specific immune response to the antigen.