Chapter 17: Problem 13
Cell-mediated immunity is carried out by humoral immunity is mainly carried out by (a B cells/T cells (d) Epitopes/antigens (b) T cells/B cells (c) Antibodies/phagocytes (e) Antibodies/antigens
Short Answer
Expert verified
(b) T cells/B cells.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Terms
The immune system is mainly divided into two broad categories: cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity. Cell-mediated immunity is primarily performed by T cells, while humoral immunity is executed by B cells producing antibodies.
02
Identifying the Correct Association
For cell-mediated immunity, T cells play the central role, and for humoral immunity, B cells are essential as they produce antibodies. We need to match these associations correctly to the options given in the exercise.
03
Matching with Options
Review the given options:
(a) B cells/T cells - Incorrect, as it swaps the functions of B and T cells.
(b) T cells/B cells - Correct, aligns with the known roles of T and B cells.
(c) Antibodies/phagocytes - Incorrect, since it doesn't accurately depict cell-mediated or humoral roles.
(d) Epitopes/antigens - Incorrect, this doesn't correspond directly to cell- or humoral-mediated.
(e) Antibodies/antigens - Incorrect, a mix of cellular roles not fitting the functions.
04
Final Conclusion
Option (b) T cells/B cells successfully matches the correct immune system roles with cell-mediated and humoral immunity, respectively.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cell-Mediated Immunity
The fascinating part of the immune system known as cell-mediated immunity primarily involves T cells, a type of white blood cell. This immune response does not rely on antibodies to fight off threats. Instead, it uses T cells to directly target and eliminate pathogens.
There are several types of T cells, each with their own specific roles:
There are several types of T cells, each with their own specific roles:
- Helper T cells (Th cells): Assist other immune cells by releasing signaling molecules called cytokines.
- Cytotoxic T cells (Tc cells): Attack and destroy virus-infected cells or cancerous cells.
- Regulatory T cells: Help control the immune response, ensuring it's balanced and not overactive.
Humoral Immunity
Humoral immunity acts as another critical defense mechanism in the immune system, primarily involving B cells. Unlike cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity relies on the production of antibodies, which are specific proteins that can bind to antigens on the surface of pathogens.
When a foreign pathogen invades, B cells become activated and differentiate into plasma cells, which secrete antibodies. These antibodies perform essential functions to counteract harmful invaders:
When a foreign pathogen invades, B cells become activated and differentiate into plasma cells, which secrete antibodies. These antibodies perform essential functions to counteract harmful invaders:
- Neutralization: They can neutralize toxins and viruses by preventing them from binding to host cells.
- Opsonization: They mark pathogens for destruction by phagocytes.
- Complement activation: They trigger a cascade of reactions that assist in destroying pathogens.
T Cells
T cells are a type of lymphocyte that are key players in the immune response, particularly in cell-mediated immunity. They're produced in the bone marrow but mature in the thymus, which explains their name.
There are several distinct types of T cells, each serving a unique purpose in the immune defense:
There are several distinct types of T cells, each serving a unique purpose in the immune defense:
- Helper T cells (Th cells): They are the 'managers' of the immune response, guiding the function of other immune cells by secreting cytokines.
- Cytotoxic T cells (Tc cells): These are the 'warriors,' targeting and destroying infected or cancerous cells directly.
- Regulatory T cells: They ensure immune responses do not become too aggressive, preventing autoimmune diseases.
B Cells
B cells form a cornerstone of humoral immunity, being responsible for antibody production. These cells are produced and mature in the bone marrow. Upon encountering antigens, B cells become activated and differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies.
B cells perform several pivotal roles:
B cells perform several pivotal roles:
- Antibody production: Plasma cells, derived from B cells, release antibodies specific to the invading pathogen's antigens.
- Memory B cells: After an infection, some B cells become long-lived memory cells. They "remember" the pathogen, enabling a faster and stronger response if it invades again.