Skip to main content
Ch. 17 Blood
Chapter 16, Problem 10

Suppose your blood is AB positive. This means that a. agglutinogens A and B are present on your red blood cells, b. there are no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in your plasma, c. your blood is Rh⁺ d. all of the above.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the blood type components: AB positive means the presence of both A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells.
Understand the role of antibodies: In AB blood type, there are no anti-A or anti-B antibodies in the plasma because the presence of these antibodies would cause agglutination with the A and B antigens.
Recognize the Rh factor: The positive sign in AB positive indicates the presence of the Rh antigen, meaning the blood is Rh⁺.
Evaluate each option: Option a states that agglutinogens A and B are present, which is true for AB blood type.
Consider option d: Since options a, b, and c are all correct, option d, 'all of the above,' is the most comprehensive answer.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
2m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Blood Type and Agglutinogens

Blood type is determined by the presence of specific agglutinogens (antigens) on the surface of red blood cells. In the case of AB positive blood, both A and B agglutinogens are present, which means the individual can receive blood from any ABO type without risk of agglutination.
Recommended video:
5:34
Types of Blood Vessels

Antibodies in Plasma

Individuals with AB blood type do not produce anti-A or anti-B antibodies in their plasma. This absence of antibodies allows them to accept blood from any ABO group, making AB blood type the universal recipient in transfusions.
Recommended video:
0:48
Antibodies

Rh Factor

The Rh factor is another important blood group system, indicated by the presence of the Rh antigen (D antigen) on red blood cells. If an individual is Rh positive (Rh⁺), it means they have this antigen, allowing them to receive Rh⁺ or Rh⁻ blood without complications related to Rh incompatibility.
Recommended video:
03:48
Environmental Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity