Question

Which cells synthesize antibodies, and what is the primary function of antibodies in the immune response?

a) Synthesized by T cells and serve as recognition molecules.
b) Synthesized by macrophages and mediate phagocytosis.
c) Synthesized by dendritic cells and activate complement pathways.
d) Synthesized by B cells and plasma cells, and they bind to epitopes on antigens to identify or tag them for destruction by other immune system elements.
e) Synthesized by natural killer (NK) cells and inhibit immune responses.

Answer 1

Antibodies are produced by B cells and plasma cells, and they function by binding to antigens, marking them for destruction by the immune system.

Step-by-step explanation:

Antibodies are synthesized by B cells and plasma cells, which are a differentiated form of B cells. The primary function of antibodies in the immune response is to bind to epitopes on antigens, identifying or tagging them for destruction by other elements of the immune system. This tagging facilitates various mechanisms such as neutralization, opsonization, and activation of the complement system. The production of antibodies is a crucial aspect of the humoral immunity. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is d) Synthesized by B cells and plasma cells, and they bind to epitopes on antigens to identify or tag them for destruction by other immune system elements.