UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies

Question 120: Science and Technology

A person with ‘AB’ blood group is sometimes called a universal recipient because of the

alack of antigen in his blood

black of antibodies in his blood

clack of both antigens and antibodies in his blood

dpresence of antibodies in his blood

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Blood group AB has both A and B antigens on the red cells, so it has neither anti-A nor anti-B antibodies in the plasma. With no antibodies to attack donor cells, a person with AB can receive blood of any group, which is why AB is called the universal recipient. Group O, with no antigens, is the universal donor. Remember: AB has no antibodies, so it is the universal recipient.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) AB has both A and B antigens, so it does not lack antigens.
(b) Right: AB lacks anti-A and anti-B antibodies.
(c) AB has antigens on its cells; it lacks only the antibodies.
(d) AB has no antibodies, so this is false.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.