Final answer:
Allergy and asthma symptoms are caused by the cross-linking of IgE antibodies on mast cells, leading to degranulation and release of substances that cause the symptoms. The correct answer is c. mast cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptoms of allergies and asthma are induced after cross-linking of IgE antibody on FcεRI receptors found on the surface of mast cells. The correct answer to this question is c. mast cells.
When an individual is first exposed to an allergen, B cells are activated to transform into plasma cells that produce IgE specific to that allergen. The Fc regions of IgE bind to mast cells via Fc receptors. Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergen, these sensitized mast cells can rapidly degranulate, releasing histamines and other substances that cause allergy symptoms, a process known as immediate hypersensitivity.
This response is very fast, occurring within minutes. It's important to know that while basophils and eosinophils are also involved in the allergic response, the cross-linking of IgE on FcεRI receptors that initiates the allergy symptoms specifically occurs on the surface of mast cells.This cross-linking induces degranulation of mast cells, resulting in the release of inflammatory molecules that cause allergy symptoms.