2. * The circulatory system is an integral part to not only the transportation of energy and the material needed for cells to produce energy, but also as a safety mechanism to protect the body from hazardous cells. * This transportation includes the ability of red blood cells to use the protein hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout the body to where it is needed. White blood cells are the defensive soldiers of the blood that attack cells that have antigens which the body recognizes as bad and produces antibodies against. BLOOD TYPE & TRANSFUSION

3. Antigens are molecules that are present on red blood cells that are used to identify the cell to the body. Antibodies are proteins secreted by the while blood cells that recognize and attach to certain antigens and allow the immune system to attack invading cells. The combination of these antigens and antibodies present in the blood determine the blood type of the individual. ANTIGENS & ANTIGENS

4. Individuals with blood type A have the A marker attached to their cell membrane. Individuals with blood type B have the B marker attached to their cell membrane. Individuals with blood type AB have both A and B markers on their red blood cell membranes. Individuals with blood type O have no special markers on their cell membrane ABO BLOOD TYPES

5. Example: If type A blood is transfused into a type O individual, what occurs? Answer: Special antibodies are produced by the type O individual in response to the A-type protein located on the type A blood. The antibodies produced will attach themselves to the A-type proteins and cause them to clump together. Clumped cells clog local capillaries and prevent O2 and nutrient delivery to tissue cells. Without treatment, tissue damage, and even death can occur. ABO BLOOD TYPES

6. Example: If type A blood is transfused into an individual with types A or AB what would occur? Answer: A type antigens exist on both the red blood cells of these individuals therefore antibodies against A-type antigens are not normally produced. ABO BLOOD TYPE

7. Individuals with type A blood will not produce antibodies against A-type antigens. Individuals with type B blood will not produce antibodies against B-type antigens but will produce antibodies against A markers. Type AB individuals will not produce antibodies against A or B markers, so can tolerate transfusions of A,B,AB and O blood. (Universal Acceptors) Type O blood contains antibodies against A and B antigens. There people can not accept blood from A,B, or AB individuals. They can only accept type O blood. Type O blood can donate to A,B,AB, and O because they do not have A or B antigens. (Universal Donor) THEREFORE…

8. Blood Group A If you belong to the blood group A, you have A antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and B antibodies in your blood plasma. Blood Group B If you belong to the blood group B, you have B antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and A antibodies in your blood plasma. Blood Group AB If you belong to the blood group AB, you have both A and B antigens on the surface of your red blood cells and no A or B antibodies at all in your blood plasma. Blood Group 0 If you belong to the blood group 0 (null), you have neither A or B antigens on the surface of your red blood cells but you have both A and B antibodies in your blood plasma.

9. Many people also have a so called Rh factor on the red blood cell's surface. This is also an antigen and those who have it are called Rh +. Those who haven't are called Rh -. A person with Rh - blood does not have Rh antibodies naturally in the blood plasma (as one can have A or B antibodies, for instance). But a person with Rh - blood can develop Rh antibodies in the blood plasma if he or she receives blood from a person with Rh + blood, whose Rh antigens can trigger the production of Rh antibodies. A person with Rh + blood can receive blood from a person with Rh - blood without any problems. RH FACTOR BLOOD GROUPING SYSTEM

11. A Rh + B Rh + AB Rh + 0 Rh + A Rh - B Rh - AB Rh - 0 Rh - BLOOD TYPING ACTIVITY http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/bloodtypinggame/game/