Question

Individuals with the O blood group are known as universal donors because the Gal and GlcNAc groups that are recognized by the antibodies in A, B, and AB in other individuals are missing. Which of the following types of erythrocyte plasma membrane components lack these GlcNAc groups?

(A) glycoprotein
(B) glycolipid
(C) glycophorin
(D) a GPA-anchored protein
(E) a glycocalyx protein

Answer 1

Glycolipids lack the GlcNAc groups recognized by the antibodies in A, B, and AB individuals, making individuals with O blood type the universal donors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The erythrocyte plasma membrane component that lacks the GlcNAc groups recognized by the antibodies in A, B, and AB individuals is glycolipid. The A, B, and AB individuals have antibodies that recognize and react with the Gal and GlcNAc groups on the surface of erythrocytes. As a result, blood cells with these groups can cause immune reactions and agglutination when mixed with incompatible blood types. Since individuals with O blood group lack Gal and GlcNAc groups, they are considered universal donors.