Question

Which of the following statements are fundamental to the clonal-selection theory of how the adaptive immune system functions? I) Each lymphocyte has a unique membrane receptor that recognizes one antigen. II) When the lymphocyte binds an antigen, it is activated and begins dividing to form many identical copies of itself. III) Cloned lymphocytes have slight differences and are selected by the spleen for removal if they do not bind an antigen. IV) Cloned cells descend from an activated lymphocyte and persist even after the pathogen is eliminated.

Answer 1

Which of the following statements are fundamental to the clonal-selection theory of how the adaptive immune system functions? I) Each lymphocyte has a unique membrane receptor that recognizes one antigen. II) When the lymphocyte binds an antigen, it is activated and begins dividing to form many identical copies of itself. III) Cloned lymphocytes have slight differences and are selected by the spleen for removal if they do not bind an antigen. IV) Cloned cells descend from an activated lymphocyte and persist even after the pathogen is eliminated.

A. only I and III

B. only II and IV

C. only I, II, and IV

D. only II, III, and IV

Answer:

C. only I, II, and IV

Explanation:

Lymphocytes have specific membrane receptors. These receptors serve as binding sites for specific antigens. Binding of the antigen to these surface receptors triggers the propagation of lymphocytes which in turn form effector cells and the memory cells.  

For example, the activated B lymphocytes divide into plasma cells and memory cells. The plasma cells divide and form a group of antibodies all of which have receptors for the antigen recognized by the parent B lymphocyte. The memory cells live in the body and begin the immune response when the same antigen ever enters. T lymphocytes also divide and form effector cells (active helper T cells and cytotoxic cells) and memory T cells.