Antibodies are produced by ____________.

Solution

The correct option is C) Lymphocytes

Explanation

Antibodies are a group of glycoproteins produced by plasma cells in response to antigens (foreign substances). B-lymphocytes develop and mature in the bone marrow; a mature B-cell encounters an antigen that binds to its membrane-bound antibody. It causes the cell to divide rapidly and differentiates into plasma cells and memory cells. The plasma cells are short-lived and responsible for the secretion of soluble antibodies, which are major molecules of humoral immunity. In contrast, memory cells express the same antibody as their parent B-cell and help in secondary immune responses (immune responses during a subsequent encounter with the same pathogen). So plasma cells are formed from lymphocytes. Hence option c is correct.

• Neutrophils are a group of white blood cells that help fight infection by ingesting microorganisms and releasing enzymes that kill the microorganisms. So option d is incorrect.
• Monocytes are white blood cells that play a role in inflammatory (a localized reddening and swelling) and anti-inflammatory processes. So option b is incorrect.
• Erythrocytes are red blood cells that help in the transport of gases in the body. So option a is incorrect.

Related questions

• What are antibodies and antigens?
• Antibodies are also called immunoglobulins (Ig). They are represented as H₂L₂. What does ‘H’ and ‘L’ represent?