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Chapter 16: Problem 54

Briefly indicate the role of glycoproteins as antigenic determinants for blood groups.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Glycoproteins on red blood cells act as antigenic determinants, which are recognized by the immune system and determine blood groups.

Step by step solution

01

- Define Glycoproteins

Glycoproteins are proteins that have carbohydrate groups attached to the polypeptide chain. They are commonly found on the outer surface of cell membranes.
02

- Understand Antigenic Determinants

Antigenic determinants, also known as epitopes, are specific parts of a molecule that are recognized by the immune system. For blood groups, these are specific molecular structures on the surface of red blood cells.
03

- Glycoproteins as Antigenic Determinants

In the context of blood groups, glycoproteins on the surface of red blood cells serve as antigenic determinants. These glycoproteins have specific carbohydrate sequences that are recognized by antibodies. Different blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) have different glycoprotein structures, which determine the blood type.
04

- Role in Blood Group Identification

The unique glycoproteins on red blood cells trigger immune responses if blood with non-compatible glycoproteins is introduced. This is why matching blood types is crucial during blood transfusions.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

glycoproteins
Glycoproteins are an essential part of cellular functioning. These are proteins that have carbohydrate groups attached to their polypeptide chains. Glycoproteins are found on the outer surface of cell membranes.
They play a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell-cell recognition, signaling, and immune responses.
Glycoproteins on the surface of red blood cells are especially important in the context of blood groups.
antigenic determinants
Antigenic determinants, also known as epitopes, are specific parts of a molecule that are recognized by the immune system.
They are the 'tags' that the immune system targets when identifying foreign cells.
In terms of blood groups, these determinants are specific molecular structures found on the surface of red blood cells. Different blood groups have different epitopes, leading the immune system to recognize them as different types.
blood group identification
Blood group identification is a vital process in medicine, particularly for blood transfusions. Each blood group (A, B, AB, and O) has unique glycoproteins and epitopes on the surface of red blood cells.
These glycoproteins have specific carbohydrate sequences that antibodies in the immune system recognize.
When blood with a non-matching glycoprotein structure is introduced into the body, the immune system can attack it, leading to dangerous reactions. Thus, blood group identification helps ensure safe transfusions.
immune response
The immune response is the body's way of defending against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and non-compatible blood cells.
When the immune system detects cells with unfamiliar antigenic determinants, it launches an attack on them.
In the context of blood groups, if blood with non-compatible glycoproteins is introduced, the immune system recognizes the foreign glycoproteins and responds by producing antibodies.
  • This can cause blood clotting and other severe reactions, which is why matching blood groups is crucial during transfusions.

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