What is the science behind naming of blood groups? Like what is that blood contains which makes it O-positive or O-negative?
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In humans, there are three major antigen groups on blood cells: A, B, and Rh(D). Each of these are made up of one or more proteins on the surface of the blood cells that may trigger an immune response.
There are quite a few other antigen groups as well. These others tend to be either much rarer they are either much rarer or clinically irrelevant. One of the other important ones is DI, which is only found in Asians and Native Americans. Many are clinically irrelevant as the donated blood will naturally convert to match the recipient’s blood.
By convention, blood that lacks both A and B is called O, otherwise which of the two groups exist on the cells is listed. So, O blood lacks both A and B; AB blood has both A and B; A blood has only A; and B blood only has B. The positive/negative refers to the presence or absence of the Rh(D) protein.
So, with all of this, O- blood lacks the A, B, and Rh(D) proteins. O+ blood lacks A and B proteins, but has the Rh(D) protein.
Additionally to the proteins, blood that lacks the protein will also have antibodies against the protein. So, somebody with O blood is allergic to both the A and B proteins.
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