What is the difference between blood types?

Answer 1

The red blood cells define the blood group you actually belong to. There are small markers known as antigens on the red cells surface, but they are so tiny that it cannot be viewed under a microscope. However, every person has different antigens but for identical twins. The antigens identify the blood types

and are the key to match the transfusions as well that helps in

avoiding serious complications. The blood group structure is defined as

the ABO system.

Another significant factor worth considering is the Rh system.

All the blood groups have the possibility of having Rh antigens.

Conversely, there are some who have it, while some do not have it. In

case, the blood group belongs to Rh antigens, then they are Rh positive

and a person having A blood group with Rh positive is recognized as A+.

In case a person has A blood group with Rh negative, then it is A-.

This is the same pattern followed for O, B or AB blood group as well.

The Rh system duals the blood groups effectively so that the positive

blood type does not get mixed with negative.

Answer 2

The difference between blood types has to do with the type of antigens on the red blood cells (RBC's) and the type of antibodies present in the blood.

For example, type A blood has the A antigen on the RBC, and the B antibody present in the blood. It is the opposite for type B.

Type AB has both A and B antigens on the RBC and there are no antibodies present. This is for this reason why a person with type AB blood can accept any type of blood into their body (it is called the universal receiver) but can only give blood to a person with type AB blood.

Type O blood is the opposite of AB blood. Type O contains the antibody for both A and B blood but has no antigens on the RBC's and it is for this reason as to why a person with type O blood can only receive type O blood, but anybody can take type O into their body, type O is the universal donor.

Answer 3

Identifying proteins and sugars on the outside of the cell that allow the body to identify the cell. If you use the wrong blood type in a person, their body will see it as a foreign intruder (like a germ or virus) and the immune system will attack it.

Answer 4

A - contains A antigens and B antibodies

B - contains B antigens and A antibodies

AB - contains both antigens and no antibodies

O - contains no antigens and both antibodies

Rh positive - contains Rh factor

Rh negative - no Rh factor

Answer 5

The differences in human blood are due to the presence or absence of certain protein molecules called antigens and antibodies. The antigens are located on the surface of the red blood cells and the antibodies are in the blood plasma. Individuals have different types and combinations of these molecules. The blood group you belong to depends on what you have inherited from your parents.

There are more than 20 genetically determined blood group systems known today, but the AB0 and Rh systems are the most important ones used for blood transfusions. Not all blood groups are compatible with each other. Mixing incompatible blood groups leads to blood clumping or agglutination, which is dangerous for individuals.

Blood group A - has A antigens on red blood cells and B antibodies in plasma.

Blood group B - has B antigens and A antibodies

Blood group AB - has both A and B antigens and no antibodies

Blood group 0 - has neither A or B antigens but both A and B antibodies

Rh factor blood grouping system

Many people also have a so called Rh factor on the red blood cell's surface. This is also an antigen and those who have it are called Rh+. Those who haven't are called Rh-.

A person with Rh- blood does not have Rh antibodies naturally in the blood plasma, but they can develop them if exposed to Rh+ blood. A person with Rh+ blood can receive blood from a person with Rh- blood without any problems.

Answer 6

If you have A+ or A- blood type, this means you have type "A" antigens on the surface of your red blood cells, as well as "B" antibodies in your blood plasma.B blood types have type "B" antigens, and so on.