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I'd like to know what's the point in having different blood types instead of just everyone having the same blood type. I'm interested in the answers from both evolution and creation point of view.

2006-08-22 09:39:03 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics Biology

3 answers

As you may know, the types of proteins, glycoproteins and glycolipids found (or expressed) on the surface of red blood cells define blood types. In addition, blood types, or at least the genes responsible for them, are inherited. There are 23 recognized blood group systems with hundreds of different types. Although it appears that the majority of the molecules on red blood cells are not essential for cell function, some have specific functions on the red cell membrane such as allowing substances to enter and exit the red cell (transporters) or binding certain substances to the cell surface (receptors).

Evolution has played an important role in the persistence of certain blood types. For example, the Duffy blood type includes a receptor that allows certain types of malarial parasites to enter the red cell. Thus, in some malarial areas of Africa, populations with Duffy negative blood types have a distinct survival advantage because absence of the Duffy antigen provides a measure of protection against malaria. The percentage of people lacking the Duffy antigen is much higher in these locations than in areas not endemic for malaria.

Thus, different blood types are associated with different levels of susceptibility to disease, for reasons not yet perfectly understood to researchers. Different blood types may have arisen as a result of genetic mutation, but may have persisted due to natural selection. If certain blood types are less prone to certain diseases, their incidence may be correlated with a lower mortality rate and a higher fertility rate in areas where such diseases may be prevalent. Individuals with those blood types may implicitly or explicitly self-select, ensuring persistence of the blood type within the particular region.

2006-08-22 10:40:26 · answer #1 · answered by LB 4 · 1 0

Existing blood types evolved in our prehuman ancestors (chimps have the same blood type system we do), which makes them at least 6 million years old. The current theory is that different blood types provide protection against different diseases that may be transmitted by viruses or parasites. Sickle cell anemia is a much more recent example of a blood mutation. If you carry one sickle cell gene (inherited from either parent) you have an increased resistance to malaria, which is why this gene is common in areas where malaria is prevalent (such as Africa). However, if you inherit the gene from both parents you suffer from a very serious disease. Other human genetic diseases follow the same pattern. A single cystic fibrosis gene is thought to provide protection against typhoid, while a single Tay-Sachs gene provides protection against tuberculosis. In each case one copy gives protection, but two result in a fatal disease (evolution does the best it can with what it has).

2006-08-22 11:25:09 · answer #2 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 1 0

before each little thing i'd favor to thanks for asking such an exciting question I had in no way concept about it,so i did really of "analyze". certain animals have diverse blood type (Blood team) too clone of people. In guy blood team is utilized to unmarried aspect. This aspect is agglutinogen and is likewise stated as antigen. it really is got here across on the floor of pink blood corpuscles. contained with regards to animals blood team is utilized to combos of blood aspects. So it really is foremost to call it as blood team structures really then blood communities. each equipment has many aspects, that are mutually stated as blood team aspects. Dr J Moustgaard of Copenhagen observed in livestock ten team structures really A, B, C, FV, J, L, M, SU, Z and R'S'. except J and L, all the different team structures have more effective than one team aspect. And The Rh aspect (used to point human blood type as well) became first got here across contained in the Monkey Rhesus even with the undeniable fact that it do determination from animal to animals apes have the same blood team structure as we do (our ancestors) In cats it really is often got here across that blood of one cat could be transfused in yet another. wish i helped. thanks back bro.

2016-12-01 00:27:34 · answer #3 · answered by vecchione 3 · 0 0

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