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Consider the diagram below of clonal selection in B cells - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 21 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 21
Consider the diagram below of clonal selection in B cells. Source: adapted from Tang Zheng et al., 'An Improved Clonal Selection Algorithm and its Application to Tr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Consider the diagram below of clonal selection in B cells - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 21 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
adaptive immunity, which part of this process allows long-term (sometimes lifetime) protection against pathogens?
Answer
The part of the adaptive immunity process that allows for long-term protection against pathogens is the formation of memory B cells. When B cells encounter an antigen, they differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies and memory B cells that remain in the body long after the initial infection. These memory B cells are vital for a quicker and more effective immune response upon subsequent exposures to the same antigen, thus providing long-term immunity.
Step 2
recognition of one antigen by one B cell clone
Answer
Recognition of one antigen by one B cell clone involves the specific binding of an antigen to the B cell receptor (BCR). Each B cell clone expresses a unique BCR that can specifically recognize a particular antigen. When the antigen binds to the BCR, it activates the B cell, leading to proliferation and differentiation into antibody-secreting plasma cells and memory B cells. This specificity is crucial for the adaptive immune response, ensuring that particular pathogens are targeted effectively.