- The humoral response, shown in the diagram to the left, involves the activation of B cells and the production of antibodies. Free antigens activate B cells to clone plasma cells and memory B cells that are specific for that antigen. - T-dependent antigens require cytokines secreted from activated helper T cells to elicit a humoral immune response from B cells. - Some antigens elicit a response from B cells without the aid of IL-2 secretions from activated helper T cells. These are known as T-independent antigens. The T-independent response is generally weaker than the T-dependent response and no memory cells are produced. - Some T-independent antigens include polysaccharides of bacterial capsules and proteins in the flagella of bacteria.

- Antibodies are a class of proteins known as immunoglobulins. A basic antibody molecule consists of four polypeptide chains—two light chains and two heavy chains. The chains are joined together by disulfide bonds to form a “Y-shaped” molecule. The two ends of the antibody consist of variable regions, which form the antigen-binding region that is unique for that antibody. The third end, which consists of the constant regions of the heavy chains, does not vary greatly between antibodies and is responsible for determining the class of the antibody

Which statement regarding B lymphocytes is incorrect?

- B lymphocytes mature in the blood.

In the late 1700s, Edward Jenner’s discovery of the vaccine was linked to what observation?

- People who milked cows and came down with cowpox did not come down with small pox.

- the site on an antigen that binds on to an antibody.

_________________ are examples of T-independent antigens.

- Polysaccharides in bacteria cell walls. - Proteins in the flagella of bacteria

12.9.1 B Cells: The Humoral Response Flashcards by Irina Soloshenko

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12.9.1 B Cells: The Humoral Response Flashcards

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