Zoology: General

A Dictionary of Biology A Dictionary of Zoology Further reading

B cell

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

B cell (B lymphocyte) A lymphocyte that is derived from stem cells in the bone marrow but does not mature in the thymus (compare T cell); in birds it matures in the bursa of the cloaca (hence B cell). Each B cell has a unique set of receptor molecules on its surface, designed to recognize a specific antigen. Binding of the appropriate antigen to class II MHC receptors on the B cell (see histocompatibility) is recognized by helper T cells, which themselves bind to the antigen–receptor complex. This triggers the T cells to release lymphokines, which cause the B cell to undergo repeated division to form a clone of cells (i.e. clonal expansion). These mature into plasma cells, capable of producing large amounts of specific antibody (see immunoglobulin), which circulates in the blood and lymph and binds to the corresponding antigen. After a few days of antibody production the plasma cells die. However, some cells from the clone remain in the form of memory cells, which initiate a more rapid immune response on subsequent exposure to the same antigen. See also clonal selection theory.

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B cell

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Copyright

B cell A type of lymphocyte (leucocyte) manufactured in the bone marrow (hence the name) which secretes antibodies and is involved in the humoral response. Compare T CELL.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "B cell." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "B cell." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Bcell.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "B cell." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Bcell.html

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