Question

Blood group agglutinogens A and B are found
A. In plasma
B. On WBC’s
C. On RBC’s
D. On blood platelets

Answer 1

Hint: The agglutinogens are the antigens present in blood cells that help in determining the type of blood group of an individual. The antigens bind to agglutinins or antibodies that cause agglutination. This process is a key indicator used in blood typing tests. It is present in cells that carry oxygen.

Complete answer: The blood is a red fluid which is the major transport and connective tissue of the body. It consists of a liquid called plasma and various cells. The major cells of the blood are called RBCs or red blood corpuscles. These are disc-shaped cells that carry oxygen from one place to the other inside the body. Except for gaseous transport, the RBCs have a major role in blood grouping. The surface of the RBC’s is covered by antigens and agglutinogens. These are of two types named A and B. These agglutinogens bind to agglutinins that are called antibodies. Different arrangements of these antigens depict different blood groups. If a person carries A antigen on the RBC’s then he/she will have A blood group, if antigen B is present then the blood group will be B. other than A and B blood types AB blood group is seen in which the RBC’s carry both A and B antigen on its surface. In blood group O the RBCs have neither of the two antigens on their surface. The antigens bind to their complementary antibodies. Antigen A binds to antibody B and vice versa. This leads to agglutination or clot formation. In blood grouping tests the antibody solutions are used to check the blood type of the given sample. If a sample clots over the addition of antibody A then the blood group is B.
Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Note: In blood transfusions, the blood type is the most important factor recorded before transfusion. If a person with blood group A gets blood from a person having blood group B, he/she will die of clotting. The antigens of A will bind to antibodies of B leading to agglutination. The clots will block the vital blood supplying vessels leading to death.