You are right when you say that. Memory B cells don't make antibodies themselves, but they have to potential to become antibody secreting plasma cells (by differentiating) once they get activated by the second encounter to a specific antigen. At this point they become activated into plasma cells very quickly (as they have seen this antigen before) to make loads of antibodies and fast. This is why you recover much faster when infected by the same pathogen for the second time. So I see how the phrasing of the question is NOT GREAT. Unfortunately sometimes IB questions are like that. So for the sake of your own mental well being, try not to overthink it when questions like that appear :) So you can see the intention of the question was to make you realize that the second encounter with the same pathogen (or antigen) leads to memory B cells making antibodies (by first differentiating into plasma cell to do so). MAN i get you though, these IB questions breaks the laws of logic.
@@TeachMe-Official Thank you for your detailed response! I didn't know that memory B cells can differentiate upon a second encounter to the same pathogen--I thought they just relay the info they have to other lymphocytes. Thank you for your hard work, please continue uploading videos! Consider uploading videos on sexual reproduction and homeostasis when you have the time.
GOAT
This was extremely helpful, Thank you so much!!♥
For the question at 1:16:31, aren't memory B-cells not involved in the actual antibody production?
You are right when you say that. Memory B cells don't make antibodies themselves, but they have to potential to become antibody secreting plasma cells (by differentiating) once they get activated by the second encounter to a specific antigen. At this point they become activated into plasma cells very quickly (as they have seen this antigen before) to make loads of antibodies and fast. This is why you recover much faster when infected by the same pathogen for the second time.
So I see how the phrasing of the question is NOT GREAT. Unfortunately sometimes IB questions are like that. So for the sake of your own mental well being, try not to overthink it when questions like that appear :)
So you can see the intention of the question was to make you realize that the second encounter with the same pathogen (or antigen) leads to memory B cells making antibodies (by first differentiating into plasma cell to do so). MAN i get you though, these IB questions breaks the laws of logic.
@@TeachMe-Official Thank you for your detailed response! I didn't know that memory B cells can differentiate upon a second encounter to the same pathogen--I thought they just relay the info they have to other lymphocytes.
Thank you for your hard work, please continue uploading videos! Consider uploading videos on sexual reproduction and homeostasis when you have the time.