GERMINAL CENTER Meaning and
Definition
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A germinal center is a specialized microenvironment within lymphoid tissues where B cells undergo a process known as somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination. This process occurs in response to the activation of B cells by antigens, which are substances that trigger an immune response. Germinal centers are typically found in secondary lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes and the spleen.
Within the germinal center, B cells proliferate and undergo genetic changes in their immunoglobulin genes, leading to the generation of high-affinity antibodies. Somatic hypermutation is a random mutagenesis process that introduces point mutations in the immunoglobulin genes, resulting in the production of B cell receptors with altered affinity for the antigen. Class switch recombination, on the other hand, allows B cells to change the type of immunoglobulin they produce, enabling them to switch from producing immunoglobulin M (IgM) to other antibody isotypes such as immunoglobulin G (IgG) or immunoglobulin A (IgA).
The germinal center is a complex structure composed of light zone and dark zone. In the dark zone, B cells rapidly divide and undergo somatic hypermutation, whereas in the light zone, B cells compete for antigen and interact with T follicular helper cells for selection. This selection process enables only the B cells with higher affinity to the antigen to survive, while those with lower affinity undergo apoptosis or further genetic modifications.
Overall, the germinal center plays a crucial role in the generation of high-affinity antibodies during an immune response, contributing to the development of an effective adaptive immune response against invading pathogens.
Common Misspellings for GERMINAL CENTER
- ferminal center
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- berminal center
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- terminal center
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Etymology of GERMINAL CENTER
The word "Germinal Center" has its etymology rooted in the French language. The term "germinal" comes from the French word "germe", meaning "bud" or "germ", while "center" is derived from the French word "centre", indicating a central point or location. Therefore, "Germinal Center" translates to "center of germination" or "center of growth". This term is commonly used in the field of immunology and refers to a specific area within lymphoid tissues where B cells proliferate and differentiate during an immune response.
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