ABO BLOOD GROUP SYSTEM

ABO Blood Group System



Answer the following questions

Questions

1. Can you work out which serum sample goes with which red cell sample? If not, why not?

Serum 1 works with Red Cells of X, Y and Z. It can't work with Ms W because of the antibodies against red cells antigens are mixed with red cells expressing those antigens; the interaction will result in positive agglutination. Serum 2 does not work with any of the participants because of the antibodies against red cells antigens are mixed with red cells expressing those antigens. Serum 3 works with Ms Y and Mr Z only because antibodies against red cells antigens are mixed with red cells expressing those antigens. Serum 4 possessed A and B antibodies, that is why Mr X and Ms Y were tested positive.

3. Can you work out what blood the four individuals are? If not why not?

Ms W is blood group O, Mr X is blood group A or B, Ms Y is blood group AB and Mr Z's blood group cannot be worked out because it reacted with positive in agglutination testing with Serum 1 and Serum 3 but negative with Serum 4 which contained antibodies A or B.

4. Why do we think that the A and B antibodies originally arose against bacteria?

B cells react against invading bacteria by making proteins called antibodies. The antibody made is different for each different type of bug. The B cells that make the right antibody are ready for it. They are able to make their antibody very quickly. The end of the antibody that recognizes germs and damaged cells varies depending on the cell it is designed to recognize. So it is called the variable end. Each B cell makes antibodies with a different variable end from other B cells. ...