Describe the role of plasma cells in immunity
What will be an ideal response?
A plasma cell produces antibodies that can combine with the specific type of antigen that stimulated activation of the plasma cell. During differentiation into a plasma cell, a B cell swells as the rough endoplasmic reticulum greatly expands. Because antibodies are proteins, plasma cells essentially become prolific protein factories, producing up to 2000 antibody molecules per second. So great is the commitment of a plasma cell's protein-synthesizing machinery to antibody production that it cannot maintain protein synthesis for its own viability and growth. Consequently, it dies after a brief (5- to 7-day), highly productive life span.
You might also like to view...
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is a condition characterized by severe ________ (low blood sodium).
A. hypopituitarism B. hyperthyroidism C. hyponatremia D. hypoglycemia
Loss of function of the lower arms and hands following trauma to the anterior neck is indicative of damage to the:
A) carotid artery. B) brachial plexus. C) vagus nerves. D) parathyroid glands.
Depolarization of the oocyte plasma membrane occurs when the first sperm attaches to the integrin ?6?1. This is called the
A. slow block to polyspermy. B. acrosomal reaction. C. fast block to polyspermy. D. fertilization. E. spermiogenesis.
Ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) of the left eye would be caused by damage to the ________ nerve.
A. optic B. abducens C. trochlear D. oculomotor E. facial