Which feature differentiates B cells from T cells?

Which feature differentiates B cells from T cells?

• A. Presence of surface antibody
• B. Ability to kill infected cells directly
• C. Ability to produce cytokines
• D. Localization solely in thymus

Answer: (A)

The feature that differentiates B cells from T cells is the presence of surface immunoglobulin, i.e., surface antibodies, on B cells. This surface antibody acts as the B cell receptor, allowing B cells to bind specific antigens directly. When activated, B cells can differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies into the bloodstream. T cells, in contrast, do not carry surface antibodies; they rely on their T cell receptors to recognize peptide antigens presented by MHC molecules. While both cell types can produce cytokines and cytotoxic functions are mainly a property of certain T cells, the defining marker here is the surface antibody on B cells.

The feature that differentiates B cells from T cells is the presence of surface immunoglobulin, i.e., surface antibodies, on B cells. This surface antibody acts as the B cell receptor, allowing B cells to bind specific antigens directly. When activated, B cells can differentiate into plasma cells that secrete antibodies into the bloodstream. T cells, in contrast, do not carry surface antibodies; they rely on their T cell receptors to recognize peptide antigens presented by MHC molecules. While both cell types can produce cytokines and cytotoxic functions are mainly a property of certain T cells, the defining marker here is the surface antibody on B cells.