ABO antigens is not found in: AIIMS 09; NEET 14
**Core Concept**
The ABO blood group system is a crucial aspect of transfusion medicine, where specific antigens on red blood cells determine compatibility between donors and recipients. The ABO system is controlled by a single gene with three main phenotypes: A, B, and O, which are determined by different alleles of the ABO gene.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
ABO antigens are glycoproteins or glycolipids present on the surface of red blood cells, and they are not found on the surface of red blood cells in individuals with the AB blood group. This is because individuals with the AB blood group inherit the A and B alleles, which are codominant and result in the expression of both A and B antigens on their red blood cells. However, in individuals with the AB blood group, the A and B antigens are present in a non-functional form, making them non-immunogenic.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** ABO antigens are found on the surface of red blood cells in individuals with the A blood group. **This is correct**, and since it is the correct answer, we should not discuss it further.
**Option B:** ABO antigens are not found on the surface of red blood cells in individuals with the A blood group. **This is incorrect** because ABO antigens are indeed present on the surface of red blood cells in individuals with the A blood group.
**Option C:** ABO antigens are found on the surface of red blood cells in individuals with the AB blood group. **This is incorrect** because while A and B antigens are present in individuals with the AB blood group, they are not functional and do not elicit an immune response.
**Option D:** ABO antigens are not found on the surface of red blood cells in individuals with the O blood group. **This is incorrect** because individuals with the O blood group have neither A nor B antigens on their red blood cells.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It is essential to remember that ABO incompatibility can lead to hemolysis, a potentially life-threatening condition, especially in cases of blood transfusion.
**Correct Answer: A. Individuals with the A blood group have ABO antigens present on their red blood cells.**