Question:

Persons with 'AB' blood group are called as "Universal recipients". This is due to:

Updated On: Nov 13, 2025
  • Absence of antigens A and B on the surface of RBCs
  • Absence of antigens A and B in plasma
  • Presence of antibodies, anti-A and anti-B, on RBCs
  • Absence of antibodies, anti-A and anti-B, in plasma
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The question asks why persons with the 'AB' blood group are called "universal recipients." Understanding the concept of blood grouping and antibodies is essential to answering this. 

Blood group classification is based on the presence or absence of antigens and antibodies:

  • Antigens are present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs).
  • Antibodies are present in the plasma.

Different blood groups are categorized as follows:

Blood GroupAntigens on RBCsAntibodies in Plasma
AAanti-B
BBanti-A
ABA and BNone
ONoneanti-A and anti-B

Individuals with the 'AB' blood group can receive blood from any other blood group due to the absence of anti-A and anti-B antibodies in their plasma. This lack of antibodies means their immune system does not attack foreign A or B antigens introduced through transfusion from other blood groups.

Explanation of Options:

  • Absence of antigens A and B on the surface of RBCs: This is incorrect for the AB group because both A and B antigens are present.
  • Absence of antigens A and B in plasma: Antigens are not present in plasma, hence irrelevant to the compatibility for transfusion.
  • Presence of antibodies, anti-A and anti-B, on RBCs: RBCs do not have antibodies; they carry antigens.
  • Absence of antibodies, anti-A and anti-B, in plasma: This is correct. The absence of these antibodies allows AB individuals to accept blood from any donor type without risk of an immune response against A or B antigens.

Thus, the correct answer is: Absence of antibodies, anti-A and anti-B, in plasma.

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Concepts Used:

Blood

Blood is a fluid-like structure that is responsible for transporting oxygen and other nutrients to all the cells of the body. Blood shows characteristics of both tissues and fluid.

Composition of Blood:

Blood is composed of the below-mentioned parts:

  • Plasma
  • Blood Cells
  • Platelets

Types of Blood Cells:

The two types of blood cells present in the body are:

RBC (Red Blood Cells)

RBC’s are also known as Erythrocytes. They are biconcave and are present without a nucleus in human beings. It contain Haemoglobin which is an iron-rich protein due to which the color of blood is red. RBC’s are produced in the bone marrow which is mainly responsible for the transportation of oxygen to and from various tissues and organs present in the human body.

WBC (White Blood Cells)

WBC’s are also known as Leucocytes which are colourless blood cells due to the absence of haemoglobin. They are further divided into two categories such as granulocytes and agranulocytes. Their main responsibility is to provide immunity and maintain defence mechanisms in the human body.