Question

Match each description with a component of blood in the key. Answers can be used more than once. a. red blood cells b. white blood cells c. red and white blood cells and platelets d. plasma Antigens in plasma membrane determine blood type

Short answer

The correct match for the description "Antigens in plasma membrane determine blood type" is (a) red blood cells, as these antigens are present on the surface of red blood cells and determine the blood type.

Step-by-step solution

Blood components functions

Red blood cells (a) are responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. White blood cells (b) are the body's immune cells that help fight infections. Platelets are cell fragments involved in blood clotting. Plasma (d) is the liquid part of blood that carries the blood cells and platelets and contains dissolved nutrients, hormones, and other substances. Step 2: Identify which blood component contains antigens in its plasma membrane determining blood type

Antigens and blood type

Blood type is determined by the antigens present on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens are proteins found in the plasma membrane of red blood cells. Step 3: Match the description with the correct blood component

Matching the description

Since antigens responsible for blood types are found on the surface of red blood cells, the correct answer is (a) red blood cells.

Key concepts

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are crucial for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. These cells have a unique biconcave shape that increases their surface area and flexibility, enabling them to maneuver through tiny blood vessels. They contain hemoglobin, a protein rich in iron, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues with low oxygen levels. This process is essential for cellular respiration, the way cells access the energy they need to function.
Red blood cells are also key players in determining blood type through the presence of specific antigens on their surface. These antigens are responsible for whether your blood type is A, B, AB, or O. This factor is significant not just for personal health but also for medical procedures like blood transfusions.

White Blood Cells

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the defenders of the body. They are part of the immune system and work tirelessly to fight infections and protect the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Unlike red blood cells, they do not carry oxygen but instead focus on identifying and destroying pathogenic cells and substances.
White blood cells come in various types, including:

• Neutrophils: Rapid responders to infection sites, particularly bacteria.
• Lymphocytes: Key players in the immune system, including T cells and B cells, which are involved in tackling viruses and providing long-term immunity.
• Monocytes: Clean up dead cells and help fight bacteria.
• Eosinophils: Often involved in responses to allergies and asthma.
• Basophils: Play a role in allergic and antigen responses.

This diversity allows the immune system to respond to a wide range of threats.

Blood Plasma

Blood plasma is the yellowish liquid component of blood that holds blood cells and platelets in suspension. It is incredibly important because it serves as the medium through which nutrients, hormones, and proteins travel to and from cells throughout the body. Plasma is composed of about 90% water and a 10% mixture of essential proteins, electrolytes, waste products, and other key substances.
Some essential functions of blood plasma include:

• Maintaining blood pressure and regulating body temperature.
• Transporting nutrients like glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids.
• Carrying waste products to be filtered and excreted by the kidneys.
• Facilitating the transport of hormones that regulate bodily functions.

Plasma also plays a role in blood clotting, acting with platelets to prevent excessive bleeding when injuries occur.

Blood Typing

Blood typing is a method used to determine a person's blood group, essential for safe blood transfusions and organ transplants. The blood type is based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens are proteins encoded by genes and include the A and B antigens, which determine the major blood groups A, B, AB, and O.

• Type A has A antigens with anti-B antibodies in the plasma.
• Type B has B antigens with anti-A antibodies in the plasma.
• Type AB has both A and B antigens but no antibodies, making it a universal recipient.
• Type O lacks A and B antigens but has both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, making it a universal donor.

Knowledge of blood typing is critical in medicine because incompatible blood transfusions can trigger severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.