NDA Biology · Human Physiology
The Immune System
White blood cells defend the body; lymphocytes are the cells that produce antibodies against foreign antigens.
Why this matters
2 PYQs, both the same fact: lymphocytes make antibodies. Worth one sure mark — learn which white blood cell does antibody production versus the others (neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes).
Concept 1 of 1
White blood cells and antibody production
Intuition
Definition
The white-blood-cell roles the bank tests:
- Lymphocytes — produce antibodies (B-lymphocytes → plasma cells); also T-lymphocytes for cell-mediated immunity.
- Neutrophils — first responders; engulf bacteria (phagocytosis).
- Eosinophils — fight parasites and act in allergy.
- Monocytes — become macrophages (large eaters).
Antibody production is the lymphocyte's job — not erythrocytes (RBCs), platelets, or the other WBCs.
| Cell | Main role |
|---|---|
| Lymphocytes | Produce ANTIBODIES (B-cells → plasma cells) NDA 2024/2025 — the antibody-producing cells are LYMPHOCYTES. |
| Neutrophils | Phagocytosis of bacteria |
| Eosinophils | Parasites, allergy |
| Monocytes | Become macrophages |
Practice this conceptself-check · 3 quick reps
From the bank · past-year question
[Q123 · Apr · 2024]
Antibodies = lymphocytes, not other WBCs
Summary — formulas & gotchas at a glance
A revision cheat-sheet for the formulas and gotchas above. Click any concept name to jump back to its full explanation.
Reference tables (1)
White blood cells and antibody production4 rows
| Cell | Main role |
|---|---|
| Lymphocytes | Produce ANTIBODIES (B-cells → plasma cells) NDA 2024/2025 — the antibody-producing cells are LYMPHOCYTES. |
| Neutrophils | Phagocytosis of bacteria |
| Eosinophils | Parasites, allergy |
| Monocytes | Become macrophages |
Watch out for (1)
- Antibodies = lymphocytes, not other WBCs→ White blood cells and antibody production
Drill every past-year question on this subtopic
2 questions from the bank — paginated, with cart and Word-export support.