B cells, also known as B lymphocytes, are a crucial part of the immune system responsible for creating antibodies that help neutralize pathogens and foreign substances.
The Primary Function: Creating Antibodies
According to the provided information, B cells create a type of protein called an antibody. This is their fundamental role.
How Antibodies Work
Once created by B cells, these antibodies perform vital actions:
- They bind to pathogens (like bacteria or viruses) or to foreign substances (such as toxins).
- By binding, they effectively neutralize them, preventing them from causing harm.
Example of Antibody Action
A clear example provided is the antibody's interaction with viruses. An antibody can bind to a virus, which prevents it from entering a normal cell and causing infection. This binding action is key to stopping the spread of illness.
In essence, B cells act as antibody factories, producing the specific tools needed to identify and help eliminate invaders and harmful materials within the body.
