Final answer:
Type O- blood is considered the universal donor because its red blood cells have no A or B antigens, and it lacks the Rh antigen, preventing immune reactions when transfused into individuals of any other blood type.
Step-by-step explanation:
Type O- blood is referred to as the universal donor for specific reasons. Mainly, Type O- has no antigens on its red blood cells (RBCs), which means it generally does not initiate an immune response when transfused into individuals of any other ABO blood type. This absence of A and B antigens on the RBCs prevents antibodies in the recipient's plasma from recognizing and attacking the transfused blood cells. Additionally, Type O- blood does not have the Rh antigen, which is another common cause of blood transfusion reactions.
Therefore, the correct answers to the question are:
- (A) Type O- has no antigens on its red blood cells, so the red blood cells can’t be attacked by antibodies of other blood types.
- (C) Type O- has no Rh antigen, so the red blood cells can’t be attacked by the Rh antibody.