All of the following are true of the secondary response of humoral immunity except that it A) depends on memory B cells.B) results in much higher antibody titers than in the primary response.C) results in much quicker rise in antibody titers.D) produces more effective antibodies.E) weakens quickly because memory B cells only survive for a year or two.
The correct answer is E) weakens quickly because memory B cells only survive for a year or two
The correct answer is E) weakens quickly because memory B cells only survive for a year or two.
The secondary response of humoral immunity, also known as the anamnestic or memory response, refers to the immune response that occurs upon re-exposure to a pathogen that the immune system has encountered in the past. Here’s a breakdown of the statements and why they are true or false:
A) The secondary response of humoral immunity depends on memory B cells: True. Memory B cells are specialized B lymphocytes that are generated during the primary immune response. They have the ability to recognize and respond more rapidly to antigens upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.
B) The secondary response results in much higher antibody titers than in the primary response: True. Due to the presence of memory B cells, the secondary immune response leads to a more rapid and robust production of antibodies. This results in higher antibody titers, providing greater protection against the pathogen.
C) The secondary response results in a much quicker rise in antibody titers: True. The presence of memory B cells allows for a faster response to the pathogen. Memory B cells quickly recognize the antigen and can differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells, which then rapidly produce specific antibodies.
D) The secondary response produces more effective antibodies: True. During the primary immune response, B cells undergo affinity maturation, a process where B cells with higher affinity for the pathogen are favored. Through affinity maturation, memory B cells are generated that have undergone multiple rounds of selection and optimization, resulting in the production of antibodies with higher affinity and specificity for the pathogen. This leads to more effective antibody responses during the secondary immune response.
E) The secondary response weakens quickly because memory B cells only survive for a year or two: False. Memory B cells can persist in the body for a long time, providing long-term immunity against a specific pathogen. While the lifespan of memory B cells can vary, some memory B cells can persist for decades. Their longevity allows for a rapid and potent immune response upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen.
In summary, all of the given statements about the secondary response of humoral immunity are true, except for statement E. The secondary response is characterized by a faster rise in antibody titers, higher antibody production, more effective antibodies, and long-term protection due to the presence of memory B cells.
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