Which of the following is an agranulocyte?

The correct answer is Option (4) - Lymphocytes.

Leucocytes are also known as white blood cells (WBC) as they are colourless due to the lack of haemoglobin. They are nucleated and are relatively lesser in number which averages 6000-8000 mm–3 of blood. Leucocytes are generally short lived.

We have two main categories of WBCs – granulocytes and agranulocytes.

Neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils are different types of granulocytes, while lymphocytes and monocytes are the agranulocytes.

Neutrophils are the most abundant cells (60-65 per cent) of the total WBCs and basophils are the least (0.5-1 per cent) among them. Neutrophils and monocytes (6-8 per cent) are phagocytic cells which destroy foreign organisms entering the body.

Basophils secrete histamine, serotonin, heparin, etc., and are involved in inflammatory reactions.

Eosinophils (2-3 per cent) resist infections and are also associated with allergic reactions.

Lymphocytes (20-25 per cent) are of two major types – ‘B’ and ‘T’ forms. Both B and T lymphocytes are responsible for immune responses of the body.