Monday, July 8, 2024

ABO BLOOD GROUP

 ABO BLOOD GROUP


    ABO blood group system was discovered in 1901 by Karl Landsteiner of the University of Vienna. Later he was awarded a Nobel Prize. ABO blood groups are found in all humans and in many primates such as apes, chimpanzees, baboons and gorillas.


Genetic Basis

    The ABO blood groups are controlled by Gene I located on the chromosome 9. Gene I has three allelic forms i.e. IA , IB and i. The IA and IB alleles each encode a glycosyltransferase that catalyzes the A and B antigen synthesis, respectively. The O or i allele encodes an inactive glycosyltransferase that leaves the ABO antigen precursor (the H antigen) unmodified. 


Blood type

Antigen on RBC

Allele for Antigen

Possible Genotypes

Dominance relation

A

A

IA

IA IA ,  IAi

IA Dominant to i

B

B

IB

IB IB , IBi

IB Dominant to i

AB

A & B

IA and IB

IA IB

IA and IB  Co-Dominant

O

None

I

ii

i is recessive


Blood group types

    A person’s blood group may be one of four types: A, B, AB, or O. These blood group types are due to the presence of antigen A and antigen B on the surface of RBC. A person having antigen a on the surface of RBC will have blood group A, having antigen B on the surface of RBC will have blood group B, and having both A and B antigens will have blood group AB. When no antigen is expressed (nor A or B), then the blood group is said to be the O blood group. 



Ability to produce Antibodies against antigen A and Antigen B

    The blood group is determined by antigens present on the surface of RBCs. The immune system can produce antibodies against the foreign antigens. In normal conditions, the body does not produce antibodies against the body's cells but can produce against any foreign agent that enters into the body.

Blood group A:     An individual with blood group A has antigen A on the RBC surface, therefore, it only produces Antibodies against antigen B. 

Blood group B:     A person having blood group B produces antibodies against the antigen A.

Blood group O:    A person having no antigen A or B on the surface of RBC (Blood group O) produces anti-A and anti-B antibodies.

Blood group AB:     Those who have AB blood group do not produce antibodies. 


Universal donor:

    Blood type O has no antigen therefore; a person with blood group O can donate the blood to all blood types.

Universal recipient: 

    A person with blood type AB does not produce anti-A and anti-B antibodies and, therefore can transfuse blood from all blood types.

Other blood group systems:  Besides the ABO blood group system there are also some other blood group systems i.e. Rh, MNS, P, Lutheran, Kell, Lewis, secretor, Duffy, Kidd, Diago, etc.


learn more about 

Multiple Alleles

Rh blood group system

Rh Blood Group system

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