Question

All of the following correctly match lymphocytes with their functions EXCEPT:

a. Helper T cells - stimulate B cells to divide and differentiate; activate TC cells.
b. Cytotoxic T cells - produce cytokines that attract and activate macrophages and perforins that destroy pathogens.
c. NK cells - suppress the action of cytotoxic T cells and B cells.
d. B cells - become plasma cells that secrete antibodies.
e. Fixed macrophages - take up residence in specific tissues where they engulf pathogens and other substances.

Answer 1

Option (c) 'NK cells - suppress the action of cytotoxic T cells and B cells' is incorrect because NK cells are involved in killing virus-infected cells or tumor cells and do not suppress the action of cytotoxic T cells and B cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question asks to identify which option does not correctly match lymphocytes with their functions. Taking a closer look at the provided choices, option (c) 'NK cells - suppress the action of cytotoxic T cells and B cells' is the one that does not correctly match. Natural Killer (NK) cells do not suppress the action of cytotoxic T cells (Tc) and B cells; instead, NK cells function as a part of the innate immune system and are involved in the direct killing of virus-infected cells or tumor cells, without the requirement for antigen presentation.

Helper T cells indeed stimulate B cells and activate Tc cells. Cytotoxic T cells produce cytokines to enhance the immune response and utilize perforins to lyse infected cells. B cells differentiate into plasma cells which secrete antibodies. Fixed macrophages reside in tissues and perform phagocytosis of pathogens and debris. Thus, only option (c) incorrectly matches the lymphocyte with its function.