STEM CELLS, BLOOD TYPES

Stem cells

Have capabilities to transition into many different types of cels

Embryonic stem cells

Derived from embryos, obtained from eggs in IVF clinics

Adult stem cells (somatic)

Undifferentiated cell found among differentiated cells

Stem cells are promising for…

Cell-based therapy

Donated organs and tissues

Used to replace ailing or destroyed tissue

Diseases stem cells could potentially treat

Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, burns, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis

Blood type antibodies

Acquired by the time you are 6 months of age after exposure to antigens

Blood type antigens are…

Inherited

Mixing of blood types

Can result in hemolysis

Hemolysis

Breakdown of RBCs, can be caused by mixing of blood types

Blood Types

Type A, type B, type AB, type O

Type A

A antigen and anti-B antibody (41% of pop)

Type B

B antigen and anti-A antibody

Type AB

A and B antigens, no antibodies

Type O

No A or B antigens, both anti-A and anti-B antibodies

Rh factor

Determines if individual is positive or negative blood type