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Ch. 17 Blood
Chapter 16, Problem 7

The blood cell that can become an antibody-secreting cell is the a. lymphocyte, b. megakaryocyte, c. neutrophil, d. basophil.

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1
Identify the function of each cell type listed in the options.
Understand that antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens.
Recall that lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response.
Recognize that B lymphocytes (a subtype of lymphocytes) can differentiate into plasma cells.
Plasma cells are the cells that secrete antibodies, thus linking lymphocytes to antibody production.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are primarily responsible for the adaptive immune response, which includes the production of antibodies. B lymphocytes, a subtype of lymphocytes, can differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies to neutralize pathogens.
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Lymphocytes

Antibody Production

Antibody production is a key function of the immune system, where specific proteins are generated to identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses. When B lymphocytes encounter an antigen, they can transform into plasma cells that produce large quantities of antibodies, which are essential for targeting and eliminating pathogens.
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Types of Blood Cells

Blood cells are categorized into three main types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. White blood cells, or leukocytes, include lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and others, each serving distinct roles in immune response. Understanding these types is essential for identifying which cells are involved in specific immune functions, such as antibody secretion.
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