The Cardiovascular System

Question 1 • 24 - 25 CR - Biology B (0411KB)

Why is Type O- the universal donor? Check all that apply.

Answer

Type O- has no antigens on its red blood cells, so the red blood cells can’t be attacked by antibodies of other blood types.

Type O- has antigens on its red blood cells, so the red blood cells can be attacked by antibodies of other blood types.

Type O- has no Rh antigen, so the red blood cells can’t be attacked by the Rh antibody.

Type O- has the Rh antigen, so the red blood cells can be attacked by the Rh antibody.

Explanation

Type O− red blood cells lack the A and B antigens, so they are not targeted by anti-A or anti-B antibodies; they also lack the Rh(D) antigen, so they are not targeted by anti-Rh(D) antibodies. Those missing antigens make O− red blood cells broadly compatible for transfusions. Strictly speaking, O− cells can have other blood-group antigens, so choice A is referring to the relevant A and B antigens.

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