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During antigenic stimulation, specific T Lymphocytes can proliferate to increase their numbers by _______________ fold.

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Final answer:

Specific T Lymphocytes can proliferate by tens to hundreds-fold during antigenic stimulation through clonal expansion, forming large numbers of lymphocytes ready to fight an infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

During antigenic stimulation, specific T Lymphocytes can proliferate to increase their numbers by tens to hundreds-fold. Only those clones of lymphocytes whose receptors are activated by the antigen are stimulated to proliferate. This process, known as clonal expansion, ensures that the body will have large numbers of specific lymphocytes available to combat the infection. Each activated clone will make many copies of itself, all with the unique receptor that is specific to the antigen. This proliferation is a part of the adaptive immune response, making it more effective in dealing with pathogens the body has previously encountered.

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