According to the clonal selection theory
A) antibodies are modified, at the time of antigen exposure, to specifically react with the antigen.
B) self-reactive T cells are killed in the thymus.
C) B cells producing autoantibodies are eliminated in the thymus.
D) each B cell is already programmed to produce a specific antibody.
E) self-reactive T cells are killed in the thymus AND B cells producing autoantibodies are eliminated in the thymus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The clonal selection theory proposes that each B cell is already programmed to produce a specific antibody. When an antigen binds to the matching antibody, it triggers the proliferation of the B cell clone that produces that antibody. This leads to the production of a large number of identical antibody molecules that can recognize and bind to the antigen. The other options are incorrect. Self-reactive T cells are indeed eliminated in the thymus, but B cells producing autoantibodies are eliminated in the bone marrow, not the thymus. Additionally, the theory does not suggest that antibodies are modified upon antigen exposure, but rather that pre-existing antibodies are selected and proliferated.

According to the Clonal Selection Theory