Final answer:
The clonal expansion of large pre-B cells in the immune system has two main benefits: increased antibody production and the formation of memory B cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clonal expansion of large pre-B cells is a crucial step in the development of an effective immune response. There are two main benefits of this process:
- Increased antibody production: Clonal expansion allows for the amplification of B cell clones that have successfully recognized and bound to specific antigens. By undergoing multiple rounds of cell division, the number of antigen-specific B cells increases, resulting in higher levels of antibody production. This ensures a stronger immune response and improves the body's ability to fight off pathogens.
- Formation of memory B cells: During clonal expansion, some B cells differentiate into memory B cells. These cells retain the ability to recognize and respond quickly to the same antigen upon reexposure. This leads to a faster and stronger secondary immune response, providing long-term immunity against the pathogen.