Q.2 T cells and B cells are
(A) lymphocytes (B) erythrocytes (C) epithelial cells (D) squamous cells

T cells and B cells are lymphocytes, making option (A) the correct answer in this multiple-choice question.

Option Analysis

Lymphocytes (A): T cells (T lymphocytes) and B cells (B lymphocytes) are specialized white blood cells forming the adaptive immune system’s core. T cells mature in the thymus and handle cell-mediated immunity, such as killing infected cells, while B cells mature in bone marrow and drive humoral immunity by producing antibodies.​

Erythrocytes (B): These are red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport via hemoglobin, lacking nuclei in mature form and playing no role in immunity.​

Epithelial cells (C): These form protective linings and coverings of organs, involved in barrier functions like absorption and secretion, not adaptive immunity.​

Squamous cells (D): A subtype of epithelial cells, flat and thin for diffusion in areas like alveoli or blood vessels, unrelated to lymphocyte functions.​

Introduction to T Cells and B Cells as Lymphocytes

T cells and B cells are lymphocytes, key players in adaptive immunity crucial for CSIR NET life sciences prep. These white blood cells recognize specific antigens, with T cells targeting infected cells and B cells producing antibodies. Understanding their classification helps master immunology MCQs.​

Roles in Immune Response

• T cells, or T lymphocytes, include helper T cells activating other immune cells and cytotoxic T cells destroying pathogens.​

• B cells, or B lymphocytes, differentiate into plasma cells secreting antibodies for humoral defense.​

• Both originate in bone marrow but differ in maturation sites, essential for exam questions on lymphocyte types.​

Why Not Other Options?

Erythrocytes transport oxygen, epithelial cells provide barriers, and squamous cells enable diffusion—none match adaptive immunity functions of T cells and B cells as lymphocytes.​