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What are the two major goals of lymphocyte development?

User Tyriker
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Final answer:

The two major goals of lymphocyte development are maturation and selection. B cells and T cells initially develop from bone marrow and undergo maturation in different lymphoid organs. Lymphocytes are then selected based on their ability to recognize and attack pathogens without harming the body's cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two major goals of lymphocyte development are maturation and selection.

B cells and T cells, the two main types of lymphocytes, initially develop from bone marrow. B cells mature in the bone marrow, while T cells migrate from bone marrow to the thymus gland where they further mature. During maturation, lymphocytes acquire the necessary surface protein markers and molecules to perform their specific immune functions.

After maturation, lymphocytes undergo a selection process to ensure their ability to recognize and attack pathogens without harming the body's cells. Only lymphocytes that pass this selection process are able to participate in the adaptive immune response.

User Peech
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