There are 8 different types of blood. These types of blood are classifed by the receptors found on their plasma membranes. Red blood cells can have 3 different receptors: A, B, and/or Rh. Different blood types are very specific in reconizing "self" from foriegn substances. Blood types that do not contain a specific type of receptor have antibodies against those receptors. If another type of blood was transfused, the antibodies would attack the foriegn blood. Blood type O- is the universal donor because it lacks all receptors, while blood type AB+ can only donate to AB+ blood. However, AB+ blood can recieve blood from all other types of blood because it does not have any antibodies. Blood types that have antibodies against a certain type of receptor cannot recive blood from a blood type with that receptor. Likewise, blood that has certain receptors cannot donate to blood that has antibodies against that type of receptor.
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