Blood Polymorphisms

Blood Polymorphisms


  1. Blood Groups

    1. Blood Biology & Typing

      1. Red blood cells have antigens, recognized as “self”

      2. Antibodies to destroy foreign cells

      3. Blood typing

    2. ABO

      1. ABO gene

      2. Genotypes/phenotypes: I^A, I^B, I^O

      3. Universal donor? ; universal recipient?

      4. Maternal-fetal incompatibility

      5. Adaptive value: confuse bacteria?

    3. Rhesus

      1. Alleles D & dl D is dominant => Rh+

      2. Genotypes/phenotypes

      3. Universal donor? ; universal recipient?

      4. Maternal-fetal incompatibility

        1. Mother: Rh-  baby: Rh+

        2. OK til birth; BUT when baby’s blood mixes w/ mother’s, she becomes sensitized

        3. 2nd Rh+ baby may be killed: erythroblastosis foetalis

        4. 1st child will be OK