Can a child have a different blood group from parents

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Yes, a child can have a different blood type from their parents, and understanding how blood types are inherited can explain this phenomenon.

Blood type is determined by specific antigens present on the surface of red blood cells. The ABO blood system and the Rh factor are the most commonly recognized in determining blood type.

ABO Blood System:

There are three main alleles (forms of a gene) in the ABO system: A, B, and O.

  • A and B alleles are co-dominant, meaning they are expressed equally.
  • O allele is recessive to both A and B.

The possible blood types in the ABO system are A, B, AB, and O. The combination of alleles inherited from both parents will determine the child’s blood type.

Examples:

  1. If one parent has type A blood (AA or AO) and the other has type B blood (BB or BO), the child can have type A, B, AB, or O blood.
  2. If both parents have type O blood (OO), the child will also have type O blood.
  3. If one parent has type AB blood (AB) and the other has type O blood (OO), the child could have type A or B blood.

Rh Factor:

The Rh factor is another antigen that may be present (positive) or absent (negative) on the surface of red blood cells.

  • An Rh-positive person can carry one positive and one negative allele (Rh+/-) or two positive alleles (Rh+/+).
  • An Rh-negative person has two negative alleles (Rh-/-).

If both parents are Rh-negative, the child will also be Rh-negative. However, if one or both parents are Rh-positive, the child could be Rh-positive or Rh-negative.

Conclusion:

Through the combination of the ABO system and the Rh factor, a child might indeed have a blood type different from either parent. The inheritance of blood type is a complex interplay of these genetic factors, and the specific combination inherited from each parent will determine the child’s blood type.

If there are concerns or questions about blood type and compatibility, especially in situations like pregnancy, where Rh incompatibility can be an issue, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a specialist in genetics. They can provide information and care tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

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