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Why is blood type O- called the 'universal donor'?

A) It has no antigens on its surface.
B) It has both A and B antigens on its surface.
C) It can receive blood from any blood type.
D) It can donate blood to any blood type.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Blood type O- is known as the 'universal donor' due to the absence of A and B antigens on its red blood cells, preventing immune reactions when given to recipients of any blood type.

Step-by-step explanation:

Blood type O- is called the 'universal donor' because it has no antigens on its surface, making it compatible with any other blood type. Since it lacks A and B antigens, a transfusion of O- blood does not elicit an immune response in the recipient, regardless of the recipient's blood type. People with type O blood have both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in their plasma,

meaning they can only receive type O blood themselves. On the other hand, type AB blood is known as the 'universal recipient' because these individuals have both A and B antigens on their red blood cells and do not produce anti-A or anti-B antibodies, allowing them to receive blood from any ABO blood type.

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