Which statement best describes the difference in responses of effector B cells (or plasma cells) and cytotoxic T cells?
A) Effector B cells confer active immunity; cytotoxic T cells confer passive immunity.
B) Effector B cells kill pathogens directly; cytotoxic T cells kill host cells.
C) Effector B cells secrete antibodies that are specific for a certain pathogen; cytotoxic T cells kill pathogen-infected host cells.
D) Effector B cells carry out the cell-mediated response; cytotoxic T cells carry out the humoral response.
E) Effector B cells respond only the first time a pathogen is present; cytotoxic T cells respond subsequent times.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Effector B cells secrete antibodies that are specific for a certain pathogen, whereas cytotoxic T cells identify and kill pathogen-infected host cells. These are two different mechanisms of the immune response, with B cells playing a role in the humoral response and T cells carrying out the cell-mediated response. Additionally, effector B cells can confer long-lasting immunity through the secretion of memory B cells and antibodies, while cytotoxic T cells can also form memory cells to provide protection against future infections. None of the other answer choices accurately describe the differences between these two types of immune cells.

Which Statement Best Describes the Difference in Responses of Effector