Why are memory white blood cells more effective?

Why are memory white blood cells more effective?

• A. They travel to the bone marrow to rest.
• B. They produce lots more antibodies, much faster to stop us feeling ill.
• C. They attract more neutrophils.
• D. They immediately destroy all pathogens.

Answer: (B)

Memory cells are part of the adaptive immune system and remember pathogens from past encounters. When the same pathogen shows up again, these cells respond quickly, often differentiating into antibody-secreting plasma cells that produce large amounts of specific antibodies in a short time. This rapid, large-scale antibody production neutralizes the pathogen and flags it for destruction, which usually prevents illness or makes it much milder. That’s why the best choice is that they produce lots more antibodies, much faster to stop us feeling ill. The other options don’t reflect how memory cells work: they don’t simply rest in the bone marrow, they don’t primarily recruit neutrophils, and they don’t instantly destroy all pathogens by themselves.

Memory cells are part of the adaptive immune system and remember pathogens from past encounters. When the same pathogen shows up again, these cells respond quickly, often differentiating into antibody-secreting plasma cells that produce large amounts of specific antibodies in a short time. This rapid, large-scale antibody production neutralizes the pathogen and flags it for destruction, which usually prevents illness or makes it much milder. That’s why the best choice is that they produce lots more antibodies, much faster to stop us feeling ill. The other options don’t reflect how memory cells work: they don’t simply rest in the bone marrow, they don’t primarily recruit neutrophils, and they don’t instantly destroy all pathogens by themselves.