Activated B cells differentiate into which cells that produce antibodies?

Activated B cells differentiate into which cells that produce antibodies?

• A. Plasma cells
• B. T helper cells
• C. Macrophages
• D. Memory B cells

Answer: (A)

Activated B cells become antibody-secreting effector cells called plasma cells. When B cells encounter their specific antigen and receive help from helper T cells, they proliferate and differentiate along two main paths: most become plasma cells that rapidly produce large amounts of antibodies (immunoglobulins) to tag and neutralize pathogens, while some become memory B cells that persist for quicker responses if the same antigen appears again. Plasma cells are specialized for high-rate antibody production and release these antibodies into the blood and tissues. The other options don’t fit because T helper cells assist activation but don’t produce antibodies; macrophages are antigen-presenting cells that phagocytose pathogens; memory B cells don’t actively secrete antibodies until they’re reactivated upon re-exposure.

Activated B cells become antibody-secreting effector cells called plasma cells. When B cells encounter their specific antigen and receive help from helper T cells, they proliferate and differentiate along two main paths: most become plasma cells that rapidly produce large amounts of antibodies (immunoglobulins) to tag and neutralize pathogens, while some become memory B cells that persist for quicker responses if the same antigen appears again. Plasma cells are specialized for high-rate antibody production and release these antibodies into the blood and tissues. The other options don’t fit because T helper cells assist activation but don’t produce antibodies; macrophages are antigen-presenting cells that phagocytose pathogens; memory B cells don’t actively secrete antibodies until they’re reactivated upon re-exposure.