Which type of cell is produced to specifically target foreign bodies that the immune system encounters?

Prepare for the GACE Middle Grades Science Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The correct response is B, B cells, because these cells are a vital component of the adaptive immune system. B cells are specifically responsible for producing antibodies that bind to foreign antigens, such as those found on pathogens like bacteria and viruses. When a B cell encounters a foreign body, it can differentiate into a plasma cell, which secretes large quantities of antibodies tailored to recognize and neutralize that particular invader.

In addition, B cells are key players in the immune memory process; after an initial encounter with a pathogen, some B cells become memory cells. These memory B cells persist in the body and enable a quicker and more effective response during future exposures to the same pathogen.

This specificity for foreign bodies is what distinguishes B cells from other types of cells involved in the immune response, such as leukocytes, which are a broader category that includes various immune cells but do not specifically produce antibodies.

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