What role do plasma cells play after B-cells differentiate?

• A. They become memory cells
• B. They produce hormones
• C. They create antibodies for specific pathogens
• D. They destroy foreign cells

Answer: (C)

Plasma cells are the differentiated form of B-cells that play a crucial role in the immune response by producing antibodies. When B-cells recognize a specific antigen, they undergo a process of activation and differentiation, leading to the formation of plasma cells. These plasma cells are essentially "antibody factories," synthesizing and secreting large quantities of antibodies specific to the pathogen that prompted the immune response.

By producing antibodies, plasma cells contribute to the neutralization of pathogens, marking them for destruction and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the immune response. This is a vital function, as antibodies can bind to antigens on the surface of pathogens, preventing infection and facilitating their removal by other immune components.

While memory cells are also derived from activated B-cells, their role differs from that of plasma cells in that they are responsible for providing long-term immunity by "remembering" past infections. Additionally, plasma cells do not produce hormones, nor do they directly destroy foreign cells; these functions are associated with different components of the immune system, such as T-cells or various innate immunity mechanisms.