Summary
Cells that mature into plasma cells producing antibodies and into memory B cells.
In depth
Each B cell has a unique B cell receptor. With helper T cell help, activation drives proliferation, class switching and affinity maturation in germinal centres. Plasma cells secrete thousands of antibodies per second; memory B cells persist.
B cells present antigen to helper T cells, which give help via CD40L. Isotype switching changes antibody class but not specificity. Memory B cells respond quickly.
Common mistake: B cells mature in bone marrow (B for bursa/bone), T cells in the thymus.
Frequently asked questions
What is B Lymphocytes?
Cells that mature into plasma cells producing antibodies and into memory B cells.
Which area of biology covers B Lymphocytes, and how advanced is it?
B Lymphocytes is one of the 52 topics in Immunology & Disease. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Clonal Selection, T Lymphocytes, Primary and Secondary Response.
Can you give an example of B Lymphocytes?
Boosters restimulate memory B cells.
What should I learn before B Lymphocytes?
Work through the Beginner topics in Immunology & Disease first, such as Immune System, Viruses, Innate Immunity, then return to B Lymphocytes. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to B Lymphocytes?
The closest topics to B Lymphocytes are Clonal Selection, T Lymphocytes, Primary and Secondary Response, Antibody Diversity. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand B Lymphocytes?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for B Lymphocytes. To practise the whole of Immunology & Disease, use the Immunology & Disease quiz.
How is B Lymphocytes different from Clonal Selection?
B Lymphocytes: Cells that mature into plasma cells producing antibodies and into memory B cells. Clonal Selection: An antigen selects the lymphocyte that recognises it, which multiplies into effector and memory clones. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
What is a common mistake about B Lymphocytes?
B cells mature in bone marrow (B for bursa/bone), T cells in the thymus.
How should I study B Lymphocytes step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Clonal Selection and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Immunology & Disease quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.