Final answer:
Blood relatives are preferred as organ donors due to increased compatibility and genetic similarity. Immunosuppression is crucial in transplantation to prevent organ rejection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blood relatives are preferred as organ donors because they are more likely to have compatible blood types and tissue matches, which reduces the risk of organ rejection. This increases the chances of a successful transplant and improves the long-term survival of the recipient. Additionally, blood relatives often share similar genetic traits, which can further enhance the compatibility between the donor and recipient.
Immunosuppression plays a vital role in transplantation. After receiving an organ transplant, the recipient's immune system may recognize the transplanted organ as foreign and mount an immune response to reject it. To prevent this, immunosuppressive medications are prescribed to weaken or suppress the immune system, reducing the likelihood of rejection. These medications need to be carefully balanced to minimize the risk of rejection while also preventing infections and other complications.