SomeWBCsswallowpathogens, andothersproduceantibodiesthatattackanddestroy
pathogens.- Blood type is determined by the presence or absence of certain molecules, calledanti-
gens,on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). There are four blood types; A, B, AB,
and O. - Ifapersonreceivesthewrongbloodtype, antibodiesintheperson’sbloodwouldattack
the antigens on the RBCs in the donor blood. The antibodies would cause the RBCs
to clump together, and the clumps could block a blood vessel. - Sickle cell disease is a blood disease that is caused by abnormally-shaped blood protein
hemoglobin. - Anemia is a disorder in which there is not enough hemoglobin in the blood to carry
oxygen to body cells.
Review Questions
- What types of cells are found in blood?
- What is the liquid part of blood called?
- What is the function of platelets?
- Identify two functions of blood other than bringing oxygen to body cells.
- What is the oxygen-carrying protein found in red blood cells?
- Identify two ways that white blood cells defend the body from infection.
- How are the red blood cells of the different blood groups different?
- They have different antigens on the surface of the cells.
- Why are people with type O blood calleduniversal donors?
- Why are people with type AB blood calleduniversal recipients?
- Problem | question=Identify three blood disorders or diseases. |difficulty=Beginning
| solution= Problem | question=How can the shape of the hemoglobin protein in a
person with sickle-cell disease affect other body systems? |difficulty=Challenging |
solution= - What is a common cause of anemia in young people?
- Identify two good sources of iron in the diet.
Further Reading / Supplemental Links
Vocabulary
ABO blood type system Blood group system that is determined by the presence or
absence of certain molecules, called antigens, on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs);
there are four blood types in the ABO system: A, B, AB, and O.