Which component of the immune system acts against bacterial infections such as those caused by Mycoplasma?

Antibodies play a crucial role in the immune response against bacterial infections, including those caused by pathogens like Mycoplasma. These proteins are produced by B-cells in response to the detection of foreign antigens, which are unique molecules present on the surface of bacteria. Once produced, antibodies can bind to these antigens, marking the bacteria for destruction by other immune cells or neutralizing their harmful effects directly.

In the case of Mycoplasma, which lacks a rigid cell wall and is inherently different from other bacteria, antibodies are particularly effective at identifying and targeting these organisms. By binding to the Mycoplasma surface, antibodies facilitate the recruitment of immune cells that can engulf and eliminate the pathogens, thus playing a vital role in controlling bacterial infections.

The other options provided do not directly contribute to the targeted response against bacterial infections in the same way as antibodies. Red blood cells primarily function in transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, platelets assist with blood clotting, and neurons transmit signals throughout the nervous system. None of these components provide the specific immune response that antibodies offer against bacterial pathogens.