Final answer:
Immunocompetence refers to the ability of B and T cells to recognize specific antigens. Self tolerance is the body's ability to distinguish self from non-self antigens. Naive B and T cells have not encountered pathogens, while activated B cells produce antibodies and activated T cells stimulate the cell-mediated immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Immunocompetence refers to the ability of B cells and T cells to recognize and bind to specific antigens.
When a B or T cell becomes immunocompetent, it means that it has the capability to respond to a particular antigen and initiate an immune response.
Self tolerance is the body's ability to distinguish between self and non-self antigens. B and T cells that react too strongly to the body's own cells are eliminated during the maturation process to prevent an immune response against the body's own tissues.
Naive B and T cells are lymphocytes that have not encountered any pathogenic antigens.
They circulate in the body and have specific receptors on their cell surfaces that allow them to recognize foreign antigens.
Activated B cells produce antibodies in the humoral immune response, targeting pathogens in blood and lymph. Activated T cells stimulate the cell-mediated immune response, targeting infected cells.