Question

Which of the following blood groups in human beings is a universal acceptor?
A. B
B. A
C. AB
D. O

Answer 1

Hint: The membrane of human RBCs contains a variety of blood groups.
This blood group specific antigen which is also known as agglutinogens.
These antigens enable the blood group of different individuals to be differentiated:
1. Classical ABO blood groups
2. Rhesus (Rh) blood groups.

Complete answer:
The individuals are divided into four major groups.
These groups are done on the basis of the presence or absence of the blood group specific substances called A, B and O in the membranes of an individual’s RBCs.
A and B are group specific substances and are polysaccharide in nature and they are known as antigens.
The agglutinin acting on agglutinogen A is called Anti- A or alpha.
The agglutinin acting on agglutinogen B is called Anti- B or beta.
Group specific substances ‘O’ do not normally act as an agglutinogen and there is no corresponding agglutinin.
That is why group ‘O’ RBCs are not agglutinated by agglutinins alpha and beta.
Universal donor: People or donors that are having type O- red blood cells are referred to as universal donors because their red blood cells can be given to any other blood type.
So, O blood group is a universal donor.
Universal Acceptors: People or Donors that are having type AB+ are referred to as universal recipients because they can receive red blood cells from any other blood type.
So, AB blood group is a universal acceptor.

Hence the correct answer is OPTION(C)

Note: There are some blood group tests that occur due to the following reasons:
1. Blood transfusion
2. In pregnancy to see the (Rh) compatibility.
3. Investigating cases of paternity dispute.
4. Medico legal value.

Blood transfusion: Blood transfusion occurs when
1. Heavy blood loss
2. Blood disorders like hemophilia, purpura and clotting defects.
3. Blood diseases like severe anemia, leukemia.
4. Acute infections or fever.