Chapter 34, Problem 13A

Summary Introduction

To Explain:

Which ABO blood type- A, B, AB or O- is the most valuable to medical personnel in an extreme emergency situation and the reason.

Introduction:

The circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels and blood. The blood transports oxygen and nutrients or mineral to each cell with inside the body and picks up waste products (like carbon dioxide) for removal from the body. The bulk of our blood is composed of plasma. Floating inside the plasma are the red blood cells that transport oxygen, the white cells that develop part of the immune system, and clotting cells called platelets. The two important ways to categorize blood groups are the ABO system and the Rh system. The four main blood groups in the ABO system are A, B, AB and O. A person’s blood group is decided via a pair of genes, one gene inherited from every parent.

Explanation of Solution

The blood group will rely on which antigens are on the surface of the red blood cells. Antigens molecules are either proteins or sugars. The kinds and functions of antigens can differ among individuals, because of small genetic differences. The ABO blood group system categorizes blood types based on the different types of antigens present in the red blood cells and antibodies in the plasma. In the O blood group, the plasma includes both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, however the outward of the red blood cells does not consist of any A or B antigens. Since these antigens are not present, an individual with any ABO blood group can accept this type of blood. Therefore, O type blood group is also known as a universal donor.

Conclusion

People with type O- blood are called universal donors due to the fact their donated red blood cells have no A, B or Rh antigens and might consequently be appropriately given to people of any blood group. Thus, O type blood group is the most valuable to medical personnel in an extreme emergency situation.