Final answer:
Somatic recombination involves RAG1 and RAG2 enzymes which are active in B and T lymphocytes, leading to the rearrangement of gene segments to produce a diverse range of antibodies and T-cell receptors for effective immune responses against pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Somatic Recombination and RAG1/RAG2 in Immune Cells
The process of somatic recombination is crucial for the diversity of the adaptive immune system. The enzymes responsible for this process, RAG1 and RAG2, are active in two types of immune cells: B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. During the maturation of these cells in the bone marrow, RAG1 and RAG2 mediate the recombination of variable (V), diversity (D), joining (J), and constant (C) gene segments to produce diverse immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes that can recognize and defend against a wide array of pathogens.
The Variable, Joining, Diversity, and Constant regions within these genes are shuffled to create numerous possible combinations that lead to the production of a vast repertoire of antibodies and T-cell receptors. This gene rearrangement allows for the recognition of various antigens to secure an effective immune response.
When the adaptive immune system encounters a pathogen, only cells with receptors that can bind to that specific pathogen's antigens are selected to proliferate and mount an immune response. This selective process is part of the body's ability to adapt and specifically target and neutralize invasive pathogens.