Question

Undifferentiated cells of connective tissue proper is
A. Plasma cell
B. Mesenchymal cell
C. Mast cell
D. Macrophages

Answer 1

Undifferentiated cells are the cells which have not committed to any particular function. They have the potential to get differentiated into a variety of cell types depending on the micro-environment and other signals being provided.

Complete answer:
Let us know the basic properties of the various cells given-

Plasma cell - Plasma cells or the effector B cells are the cells of the immune system. They are a constituent of humoral immunity. They are white blood cells formed in bone marrow and secrete large quantities of glycoproteins called antibodies in response to antigenic attack.

Mesenchymal cell - They are multipotent stem cells found in the bone marrow. They are undifferentiated, embryonic connective tissue having the potential to develop into a variety of cell types such as osteoblasts, myocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes.

Mast cell - Also known by the labrocytes or mastocytes, are a type of granulocytes having myeloid stem cells as the lineage progenitor. They are migrant cells of connective tissue having granules rich in histamine and heparin. They are thought to play a role in allergic inflammatory reactions.

Macrophages - They are specialised phagocytic cells having roles in engulfing and destroying or inactivating the damaged or the abnormal proteins and cells of the body, thus maintaining a normal protein turnover. They are also professional antigen presenting cells, where after processing, antigenic peptides are presented on the surface in combination with MHC molecules to the T cells.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential of self- renewal and repair. They also have high healing capacity and thus are a potential novel cell source for therapeutic agents for bone and cartilage disorders.
Mesenchymal stem cells are also being explored for their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease.