Question

Match each description with a white blood cell in the key. a. lymphocytes d. monocytes b. neutrophils e. eosinophils c. basophils Largest, no granules, become macrophages.

Short answer

The white blood cell that matches the description "Largest, no granules, become macrophages" is \(d.\) Monocytes.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Description

The description is about a type of white blood cell that is the largest in size, does not have granules in its cytoplasm, and can transform into macrophages (a type of immune cell that engulfs and destroys foreign substances, dead cells, and cellular debris).

Lymphocytes

\(a.\) Lymphocytes are white blood cells responsible for adaptive immune responses. They are divided into B cells and T cells. They do not fit the description because they are not the largest and don't become macrophages.

Neutrophils

\(b.\) Neutrophils are granulocytes, meaning they contain granules in their cytoplasm. They are the most abundant type of white blood cells and are essential in fighting bacterial infections. However, they don't fit the description because they have granules.

Basophils

\(c.\) Basophils are also granulocytes that play a role in allergic reactions and inflammation. Similarly, they do not fit the description because they also contain granules in their cytoplasm.

Monocytes

\(d.\) Monocytes are large white blood cells that do not have granules. They can differentiate into macrophages and play a significant role in phagocytosis (engulfing and digesting foreign substances and cellular debris). This white blood cell fits the provided description.

Eosinophils

\(e.\) Eosinophils are granulocytes involved in combating parasitic infections and participating in allergic reactions. They do not fit the description because they contain granules in their cytoplasm.

Conclusion

The white blood cell that matches the description "Largest, no granules, become macrophages" is \(d.\) Monocytes.