Final answer:
Blood relatives are preferred for organ donation due to genetic similarities that reduce rejection risks. Immunosuppression is crucial for transplant success, involving medication to suppress the immune response and ensure organ acceptance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blood relatives are often preferred as organ donors because they are more likely to share genetic similarities with the recipient, which can decrease the likelihood of organ rejection. Organ rejection occurs when the recipient's immune system identifies the transplanted organ as foreign and attacks it. To prevent this, a process known as immunosuppression is implemented, which involves the use of medications to suppress the immune system's response, allowing the transplanted organ to remain functional and healthy within the host body.
However, even with a relative as the donor, immunosuppressive medicine is still typically required after the transplant. These medications have to be carefully balanced, as too much can lead to infection or disease due to the lowered immune response, while too little can result in rejection of the organ.