In order for a lymphocyte to respond to an antigen, the antigen must bind to the DNA of the ymphocyte be phagocytized by the lymphocyte Odepolarize the lymphocyte enter the cytoplasm of the lymphocyte bind to specific receptors on the lymphocyte membrane .
bind to specific receptors on the lymphocyte membrane.
In order for a lymphocyte to respond to an antigen, the antigen must:
1. Bind to specific receptors on the lymphocyte membrane: The lymphocyte possesses specific receptors on its cell membrane that can recognize and bind to certain antigens. These receptors are known as antigen receptors.
2. Enter the cytoplasm of the lymphocyte: Once the antigen binds to the specific receptors on the lymphocyte membrane, it is internalized into the cytoplasm of the lymphocyte.
3. Bind to the DNA of the lymphocyte: Once inside the cytoplasm, the antigen may further interact with the DNA of the lymphocyte, specifically binding to certain regions of the DNA.
It is important to note that while phagocytosis (engulfing of particles) is a process often associated with other immune cells like macrophages, it is not the primary mechanism by which lymphocytes respond to antigens. The primary mechanism is the binding of the antigen to specific receptors on the lymphocyte membrane.