Which of the following cells plays a critical role in the adaptive immune response by producing antibodies?

Plasma cells are specialized B lymphocytes that have differentiated and are primarily responsible for the production and secretion of antibodies. When B cells encounter an antigen that matches their specific receptor, they can undergo clonal selection and expansion. This process leads to their differentiation into plasma cells, which are highly effective at producing large quantities of antibodies tailored to the specific antigens.

These antibodies are crucial for identifying and neutralizing pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, and marking them for destruction by other immune cells. The ability of plasma cells to produce antibodies is essential for the adaptive immune response, as it provides targeted and long-lasting immunity.

Monocytes, granulocytes, and erythrocytes do not play the same role. Monocytes can differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells, involved in phagocytosis and the presentation of antigens but do not produce antibodies. Granulocytes, which include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, are primarily involved in the innate immune response and do not produce antibodies. Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, are responsible for oxygen transport in the blood and have no role in the immune response. Thus, plasma cells are the correct choice as they are directly involved in the adaptive