In Order for a Lymphocyte to Respond to an Antigen

Question

In order for a lymphocyte to respond to an antigen, the antigen must
A) be phagocytized by the lymphocyte.
B) enter the cytoplasm of the lymphocyte.
C) bind to the DNA of the lymphocyte.
D) bind to specific receptors on the lymphocyte surface.
E) depolarize the lymphocyte.

Accepted Answer

In order for a lymphocyte to respond to an antigen, the antigen must bind to specific receptors on the lymphocyte surface. This binding triggers a cascade of events that leads to activation and proliferation of certain lymphocytes, ultimately resulting in an immune response against the antigen. Antigens do not need to enter the cytoplasm or bind to DNA of the lymphocyte to initiate a response.