In B cell development, which differentiated cell type is responsible for producing and secreting large amounts of antibodies?

• A. Plasma cell
• B. Naive B cell
• C. Helper T cell (CD4⁺ T cell)
• D. Macrophage

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the stages of B cell development: B cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells and differentiate through several stages, including naive B cells and plasma cells.
2. Identify the function of naive B cells: Naive B cells have not yet encountered their specific antigen and do not secrete antibodies; they are primarily responsible for recognizing antigens.
3. Recognize the role of plasma cells: Plasma cells are the terminally differentiated form of B cells that actively produce and secrete large quantities of antibodies specific to the antigen encountered.
4. Differentiate other cell types: Helper T cells (CD4+ T cells) assist in activating B cells but do not produce antibodies themselves, and macrophages are involved in phagocytosis and antigen presentation, not antibody secretion.
5. Conclude that the cell type responsible for producing and secreting large amounts of antibodies in B cell development is the plasma cell.