Which type of blood has no agglutinogen?

Prepare for the Rutgers Anatomy and Physiology II Exam with our study guide. Practice with flashcards and interactive quizzes. Understand complex topics easily with explanations provided for each question.

Type O blood is characterized by the absence of the A and B antigens, also known as agglutinogens, on the surface of its red blood cells. This lack of agglutinogens is significant because it means that type O blood can be considered a universal donor; it can be safely transfused to individuals of any other blood type without the risk of an immune reaction based on these particular antigens.

In contrast, Type A blood has A antigens, Type B blood has B antigens, and Type AB blood has both A and B antigens. Each of these blood types can provoke an immune response in a person with a different blood type due to the presence of these specific agglutinogens, which is not a concern with type O blood. Understanding this crucial difference helps clarify why type O is unique among the blood types, particularly in transfusion scenarios.

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