Question

Polysaccharides on bacterial cells stimulate the production of antibodies by binding to ________.

A) B cells that stimulate plasma cell proliferation
B) B cells that stimulate plasma and memory cell proliferation
C) helper T cells that release interleukin-1 to stimulate plasma cell proliferation
D) helper T cells that directly stimulate plasma and memory cell proliferation
E) B cells that release interleukin-2 to stimulate plasma cell proliferation

Answer 1

Polysaccharides on bacterial cells stimulate antibody production by binding to B cells that lead to the proliferation of both plasma cells, which produce antibodies, and memory B cells, which ensure a quicker response to future infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polysaccharides on bacterial cells stimulate the production of antibodies by binding to B cells that stimulate plasma and memory cell proliferation. When a B cell recognizes and internalizes an antigen, it presents this antigen to a helper T cell. The helper T cell, upon recognizing the antigen-MHC class II complex, releases cytokines that activate the B cell. This activation leads to the B cell's proliferation into clonal daughter cells and differentiation into plasma cells and memory B cells.

Plasma cells are the primary producers of antibodies, capable of secreting large quantities of antibodies that fight pathogens. Memory B cells, while they do not produce antibodies right away, retain the information about the pathogen, allowing for a quicker and more robust response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

Why are both plasma B cells and memory B cells made?

This dual production occurs because plasma B cells immediately combat the pathogen with antibodies, while memory B cells ensure a long-lasting immune response, priming the body for a more efficient reaction if the pathogen reappears in the future.