Question

The process of clonal selection gives rise to short-lived clones called ________, which combat the antigen that stimulated their production.

A) memory cells
B) effector cells
C) antibodies
D) antigens
E) helper cells

Answer 1

The short-lived clones produced during clonal selection to combat antigens are known as effector cells, specifically plasma cells, which secrete antibodies for the immune response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of clonal selection gives rise to short-lived clones called effector cells, which combat the antigen that stimulated their production. The correct answer to the question is B) effector cells. When an antigen is encountered, only those B cells with appropriate antigen specificity are selected for and expanded. These selected clones increase in number to fight the infection.

After activation, B cells differentiate into plasma cells and memory B cells. The plasma cells act as effector cells by producing and secreting antibodies, which are the agents of humoral immunity. These antibodies can then bind with pathogens in bodily fluids, helping to neutralize or destroy them. In contrast, memory B cells remain in the body for a longer duration, ready to respond more rapidly should the same antigen appear again.