NEETZoologyBody Fluids and Circulation
What is the effect of Rh antibodies from a Rh negative mother on a Rh positive foetus?
Options
- AThey cause the foetus to become Rh negative.
- BThey do not affect the foetus.
- CThey destroy the foetal RBCs.
- DThey cause the foetus to become Rh positive.
Correct answer
C. They destroy the foetal RBCs.
Step-by-step solution
: Another antigen, the Rh antigen similar to one present in Rhesus monkeys (hence Rh), is also observed on the surface of RBCs of majority (nearly 80 per cent) of humans. Such individuals are called Rh positive (Rh+ve) and those in whom this antigen is absent are called Rh negative (Rh-ve). An Rh-ve person, if exposed to Rh+ve blood, will form specific antibodies against the Rh antigens. Therefore, Rh group should also be matched before transfusions. A special case of Rh incompatibility (mismatching) has been obser