For the formation of plasma cells a transformation period of about five days, involving at least 8 cell generations, is required with each cell generation there is a progressive development of the endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. By the fifth day the ER cisternae are filled with antibody molecules, and the plasma cells rapidly secrete antibodies.
Isolation of single plasma cells reveals that they produce only one specific antibody. The plasma cell thus contains specialized protein synthesis machinery that is capable of producing only one type of protein (antibody). The antigen-producing cells normally do not contain antigens in significant quantities.
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