The correct option is Group AB.
Explanation
The ABO blood group system classifies blood based on the presence or absence of specific antigens (A and B) on the surface of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and corresponding antibodies in the plasma. Safe blood transfusion requires that the recipient's antibodies do not react with the donor's antigens, which would cause agglutination (clumping) of cells.
Detailed Analysis
- Group AB: Individuals with blood group AB possess both Antigen A and Antigen B on their RBCs. Consequently, their plasma contains neither Anti-A nor Anti-B antibodies. Since there are no antibodies to react against the antigens found in other blood groups, individuals with Group AB can safely receive blood from Group A, Group B, Group AB, and Group O. Therefore, they are known as Universal Recipients.
- Group A: Possesses Antigen A on RBCs and Anti-B antibodies in plasma. It can only receive blood from Group A and Group O.
- Group B: Possesses Antigen B on RBCs and Anti-A antibodies in plasma. It can only receive blood from Group B and Group O.
- Group O: Lacks both antigens on RBCs but possesses both Anti-A and Anti-B antibodies in plasma. While it can donate to all groups (Universal Donor), it can only receive blood from Group O.
Key Takeaway
Group AB is the Universal Recipient because its plasma lacks antibodies against A and B antigens. Group O is the Universal Donor because its RBCs lack A and B antigens.