Primary response

Cards (8)

What happens when an antigen enters the body for the first time?
Small number of lymphocytes with receptors complementary to that antigen are stimulated to divide by mitosis- clonal selection.
What happens after clonal selection?
clonal expansion- clones divide repeatedly by mitosis.
What is the result of clonal expansion?
A large number of identical B-lymphocytes are produced over the next few weeks.
What do these B-lymphocytes differentiate into!
plasma cells and memory B cells
What do plasma cells do?
They secrete antibodies into the blood, lymph, or lining of the lungs or gut.
How long do plasma cells and antibodies last?
Days to weeks. But the antibodies stay in the blood for a longer time.
How long do memory cells last?
Years
How quick is primary response? 
Relatively slow