[Campbell Biology P.1010] According to the "Proliferation of B Cells and T Cells" section, wh... | Practice Question

According to the "Proliferation of B Cells and T Cells" section, what is the fate of an activated B cell or T cell that successfully matches an antigen epitope?

  • A: It immediately undergoes apoptosis to prevent overreaction.
  • B: It undergoes multiple cell divisions to form a clone, some of which become short-lived effector cells.
  • C: It transforms into a different type of immune cell, such as a macrophage.
  • D: It migrates directly to the bone marrow for further maturation.

Explanation

The text states: "Once activated, a B cell or T cell undergoes multiple cell divisions. For each activated cell, the result of this proliferation is a clone, a population of cells that are identical to the original cell. Some cells from this clone become effector cells, mostly short-lived cells that take effect immediately against the antigen and any pathogens producing that antigen."