Final answer:
Labeled lymphocytes exposed to tissue sections allow for identification of specific cell-surface antigens via immunohistochemistry. This assists in diagnosing lymphomas through indicating the presence of certain antigens. Lymphocyte development occurs in primary and secondary lymphoid organs that provide the basis for our adaptive immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
When lymphocytes are isolated and labeled with radioactive isotopes, and then exposed to frozen tissue sections of a lymphoid organ, they can be used to identify specific cell-surface antigens. This method is known as immunohistochemistry. It involves applying antibodies labeled with radioactive isotopes to tissue samples. If a lymphocyte's antigen matches the applied antibody, the antibody will bind to the lymphocyte and the radioactive isotope label will allow it to be visualized using autoradiography.
This technique can be instrumental in diagnosing lymphomas by identifying the presence of certain antigens characteristic of the various lymphocyte subtypes (T cells, B cells, and NK cells), thus determining the specific type of lymphoma present.
In the experiment described, the exposure of myeloma cells to radioactive amino acids resulted in radioactive labeled antibodies (IgG light chain polypeptides), which were then visualized on electrophoretic gels through autoradiography. This process similarly aids in identifying and studying the specific proteins expressed by the lymphocytes.
Lymphoid organs, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow, are where lymphocyte development and maturation into functional immune cells occur. These primary and secondary lymphoid organs play vital roles in producing and refining the adaptive immune response by generating specialized cells like T cells and B cells that are capable of recognizing and neutralizing pathogens.