Basis of differentiation 

Lymphoblast 

Lymphocyte 

Definition 

Is an immature white blood cell that acts as a progenitor for lymphocyte

Is a mature white blood cell that is derived from lymphoblast

Location 

Found mainly in the red bone marrow

Found in various parts of the body, mainly the thymus, blood, and spleen

Size 

Around 10-18 µm

Around 17-20 µm

Number of nucleoli 

Contains 1 – 2 nucleoli  

Does not contain nucleoli

Cytoplasmic granules

Absent 

Few azurophilic granules may be found

Nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio

4:1

2:1

Chromatin 

May have fine nuclear chromatin or condensed chromatin

Chromatin is dense and clumped