B-cell,coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). B-cells are a type of white blood cell involved in immune respone. They account for 10 per cent of the body's lymphocytes. On encountering a foreign antigen,such as a bacterial surface protein,the immature B-cell either divides into a number of plasma cells,which produce antibodies,or it matures into a memory cell. Memory cells remain in the body for years,giving immunity to the original pathogen. The cell surface is covered with microvilli,to help it bind to target proteins. Magnification: x6000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide |