Question map
Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body ?
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 4. B cells and T cells are the fundamental components of the adaptive immune system, specifically designed to identify and eliminate foreign pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- B cells: These cells are responsible for humoral immunity. They produce specific antibodies that neutralize pathogens or mark them for destruction.
- T cells: These facilitate cell-mediated immunity. Helper T cells coordinate the immune response, while Cytotoxic T cells directly destroy infected host cells.
Regarding other options: They do not primarily manage allergens (Option 1), which is the role of IgE and mast cells; they do not function as painkillers (Option 2); and they are immunocompetent cells rather than immunosuppressants (Option 3). Thus, their core physiological role is providing acquired immunity against disease-causing organisms, making Option 4 the most accurate description.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Back to Basics' question triggered by high-noise current affairs (COVID-19/Vaccines). While 'T-cell immunity' was in every newspaper, the question didn't ask for complex research—it asked for the fundamental definition found in NCERT Class 12 Biology. It tests conceptual clarity over information overload.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: Do B cells and T cells in the human immune system protect the body from environmental allergens?
- Statement 2: Do B cells and T cells in the human body alleviate the body's pain and inflammation?
- Statement 3: Do B cells and T cells act as immunosuppressants in the human body?
- Statement 4: Do B cells and T cells protect the human body from diseases caused by pathogens?
Defines the immune system and acquired immunity, and says vaccines train the immune system to recognise and attack harmful germs.
A student can combine this with the basic fact that B and T cells mediate adaptive immune recognition to ask whether that recognition also applies to non‑infectious allergens.
Lists biological pollutants (pollen, mite, pet hair, fungi) as 'allergens' that can cause asthma and allergic diseases.
Knowing these are agents that provoke disease-like responses, a student can check whether adaptive immune cells (B/T) respond to such environmental antigens.
States the immune system helps protect us from harmful pathogens and that vaccines use parts of germs to prevent disease.
A student might extend this to ask whether the same immune mechanisms (adaptive response) that act against pathogens could also act when the body encounters harmless environmental substances.
Notes that UV exposure acts on the immune system, making the body more susceptible to disease, showing the immune system can be modulated by environmental factors.
A student could use this to reason that environmental exposures influence immune activity and therefore might affect how B and T cells respond to allergens.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
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This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
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This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
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