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Context In the ABO blood group classification, it is the type of sugar that is produced by an enzyme in the bodies of individuals with those blood types determines their blood type. This enzyme produces sugar, but for what reason? Does the sugar produced become available for use within muscles or something? These sugars are the antigens that are the defining characteristics of the different blood types, so to say they can be consumed by the muscles would seem strange as that would mean that at some point those blood cells turn to O (once rinsed of their antigen by the muscle), so I'm assuming the production of these sugars is not for the purpose of fuelling the muscles. What is the specific purpose of the production of these sugars? Simple Answer The sugars on blood cells are like little flags that help your body recognize its own blood cells. These flags are called antigens and they are different for each blood type (A, B, AB, and O). When you get a blood transfusion, your body c...

Context The question focuses on the apparent contradiction between type O blood being universally accepted as a donor due to the absence of antigens on its red blood cells and the presence of anti-A and anti-B antibodies in type O plasma. It asks why these antibodies don't cause a reaction in recipients who are not type O when receiving type O whole blood, especially considering the severe reaction a type O individual would experience if given blood of other types. Simple Answer Type O blood doesn't have A or B antigens on its red blood cells, so it won't trigger an immune response in anyone, making it universally acceptable as a donor. Type O plasma contains antibodies against A and B antigens, but these antibodies are present in a very small amount. When you give only the red blood cells (packed red blood cells), you are essentially giving only the blood cells without the plasma, hence no antibodies are given. The antibodies in type O plasma are diluted in the recipient...