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B lymphocyte

(Science: haematology, immunology) An immunologically important lymphocyte, produced by the bone marrow, that is responsible for the production of immunoglobulins, it is the precursor of the plasma cell.

The surface markers can be used to detect and differentiate chronic lymphocytic leukaemia from acute lymphocytic leukaemia. A lymphocyte derived from bone marrow that provides humoral immunity; it recognizes free antigen molecules in solution and matures into plasma cells that secrete immunoglobulin (antibodies) that inactivate the antigens.