B lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. Each B cell has surface receptors that recognise one specific antigen shape โ like a lock that only one key can open.
The B lymphocyte response:
- Recognition: A B cell whose receptor shape matches the antigen binds to it
- Activation: The B cell becomes activated and divides rapidly (clonal expansion)
- Plasma cells: Most daughter cells become plasma cells โ antibody factories that release thousands of antibodies per second
- Memory B cells: Some daughter cells become long-lived memory B cells that remain in the body for years
This deep dive covers B Lymphocytes and Antibody Production within Adaptive Immunity and Antibodies for GCSE Biology. Specific immune responses, antibody production, lymphocytes, memory cells It is section 3 of 15 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Adaptive Immunity and Antibodies
What are antigens?
Explain how lymphocytes produce antibodies to destroy a specific pathogen.
Quick recall flashcards
What is an antigen?
A protein on the surface of a pathogen (or cell) that the immune system recognises as foreign.
Antigens trigger the body to produce antibodies.
What is an antibody?
A protein produced by lymphocytes (white blood cells) that binds to a specific antigen.
Each antibody has a unique shape that fits one antigen only โ like a lock and key.