Microbiology Practice Exam

What are the primary products made by plasma cells?

1. Hormones

2. Antibodies

3. Enzymes

4. Vitamins

The correct answer is: Antibodies

Plasma cells are specialized white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response. Their primary function is to produce and secrete antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are proteins that specifically recognize and bind to antigens, which are foreign substances such as pathogens, toxins, or any other molecules perceived as a threat to the body. This binding helps to neutralize threats and mark them for destruction by other immune cells, effectively protecting the organism from infections and diseases. The ability of plasma cells to produce a large quantity of antibodies is vital for the adaptive immune response, as they can generate immunity against previously encountered infections. When B cells (a type of white blood cell) encounter their specific antigen, they can differentiate into plasma cells, leading to a significant increase in antibody production. In contrast, hormones, enzymes, and vitamins are produced by various other types of cells and serve different roles in the body. Hormones are signaling molecules produced by glands and help regulate physiological processes. Enzymes facilitate biochemical reactions but are not the primary product of plasma cells. Vitamins are organic compounds that organisms need in small quantities for various metabolic processes but are also not produced by plasma cells. Thus, the unique function of plasma cells in producing antibodies