Blood Groups

• The ABO blood group system classifies blood into four types: A, B, AB and O.
• The ABO blood group system is the most important human blood grouping system.
• There are two main groups of antigens in this system - A and B.
• Antigen - protein molecule that can be recognized as foreign by the immune system
• Type AB has both antigens (A and B) on its red cells.
• Blood produces defensive ANTIBODIES when they meet an unknown antigen
• when an antibody meets an antigen, it causes red blood cells to come together and cause a clot, which blocks blood vessels and cause death
• RR and Rr leads to a dominant phenotype which Rh+(positive)
• rr leads to recessive phenotype which is called Rh-(negative)
• When Rh- mother is pregnant with Rh+ baby, Mothers blood may produce anti-rh antibodies and attack the baby's blood. Baby will have jaundice or anemia