Immune System ATI Quizlet Related

Review Immune System ATI Quizlet related questions and content

What is the main difference between the clonal selection theory proposed by MacFarlane Burnet and the selection theory proposed by Paul Ehrlich?

  • A. Ehrlich proposed that structure complementarity between antigens and receptors is crucial for a specific response whereas Burnet overlooked the issue of specificity
  • B. Ehrlich proposed that each cell able to produce antibodies would express several receptors, each specific for different antigens whereas Burnet proposed that each single antibody-producing cell expresses only one type of receptors
  • C. Ehrlich thought that antibodies released from a cell were different from the receptors expressed on the same cell. Burnet thought that soluble antibodies and receptors produced by a single cell were identical
  • D. Ehrlich's theory lacks the concept of release of a soluble form of the antigen receptor, an idea elaborated for the first time by Burnet.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Ehrlich proposed that each cell producing antibodies would express several receptors, each specific for different antigens, whereas Burnet proposed that each single antibody-producing cell expresses only one type of receptor. This is the main difference between the two theories. Ehrlich's concept of multiple receptors per cell allows for a broader range of specificity and diversity in the immune response. The other choices are incorrect because they do not directly address the main difference between the two theories as outlined above. Choice A is incorrect because both Ehrlich and Burnet emphasized the importance of specificity, but they differed in their views on receptor diversity per cell. Choice C is incorrect because it focuses on the identity of soluble antibodies and receptors, which is not the main differentiator between the two theories. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions the release of soluble antigen receptors, which is not the main point of differentiation between Ehrlich and Burnet's theories.