Question

Describe the cause of different blood type groups.

Short answer

There are different types of blood groups due to the variety of glycoproteins and glycolipids coating the surface of red blood cells.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

A blood type (also known as a blood group) is a classification of blood, based on the presence and absence of antibodies and inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). These antigens may be proteins, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, or glycolipids, depending on the blood group system.

Step 2. Explanation

• The cause of different blood type groups are due to the variety of glycoproteins and glycolipids coating the surface of red blood cells.
• Blood types are an example of how glycolipids on cell membranes mediate cell interactions with the surrounding environment.
• The four main human blood types (A, B, AB, O) are determined by the oligosaccharide attached to a specific glycolipid on the surface of red blood cells, which acts as an antigen.