Question

once a b cell has been activated by a specific antigen, it will divide, making many copies of itself. this process is known as
a apoptosis
b clonal selection
c induced immunity
d hypersensitivity

Explanation:

• Option A: Apoptosis is programmed cell death, not cell division to make copies, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Clonal selection is the process where activated B cells (or T cells) divide to produce many identical copies (clones) of themselves, matching the description.
• Option C: Induced immunity is a broader term for immunity acquired (e.g., via vaccines or infection), not the specific process of B cell cloning, so C is incorrect.
• Option D: Hypersensitivity refers to exaggerated immune responses (allergies, autoimmune reactions), not B cell proliferation, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. clonal selection