Final answer:
It is true that basophils mediate allergic reactions. They release histamines and other mediators when exposed to an allergen, leading to inflammatory responses that characterize allergies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that basophils mediate allergic reactions is True. Basophils and mast cells are crucial in the body's defense against parasites, and they play a central role in mediating allergic reactions. These cells release histamines and cytokines upon re-exposure to an allergen, which intensifies inflammation and is a key component of allergic responses. Basophils, which are present in the bloodstream, are known to work alongside mast cells, although they originate from different lineages. The process of sensitization begins when an individual is first exposed to an allergen, inducing the production of IgE antibodies that bind to mast cells and basophils. Upon a second encounter with the allergen, these primed cells release chemical mediators such as histamine, leading to the symptoms associated with allergies such as sneezing, itching, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock..