Final answer:
Unlike T lymphocytes, which are crucial for cell-mediated immunity, B lymphocytes primarily produce antibodies for humoral immunity. They both develop from bone marrow but differ in their maturation sites: B cells in the bone marrow and T cells in the thymus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding B and T Lymphocytes
Unlike T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes primarily function by producing antibodies during the humoral immune response. Naïve B and T cells circulate in the body without having encountered any pathogenic antigens. Upon activation by an antigen, B cells differentiate to become plasma cells, which secrete antibodies that specifically target pathogens. Conversely, T cells are pivotal in cell-mediated immunity by directly attacking infected or diseased cells. Both B cells and T cells initially develop from bone marrow. However, their maturation sites differ, with B cells maturing in the bone marrow and T cells maturing in the thymus. These cells are also involved in forming memory cells that provide long-term immunity.