Which option correctly represents the biochemical structure of the H antigen on red blood cells?

Prepare for the ASCP Specialist in Blood Banking Exam. Boost your knowledge with quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Get exam ready!

The correct choice represents the biochemical structure of the H antigen on red blood cells as Cer-Glu-Gal-GlcNac-Gal-Fuc. The H antigen is formed through a specific sequence of sugar residues attached to a lipid backbone, and understanding its composition is crucial in blood banking and transfusion medicine.

The structure starts with ceramide (Cer), followed by glucose (Glu), then galactose (Gal), N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNac), and finally finishes with an additional galactose (Gal) that is then linked to fucose (Fuc). This terminal fucose residue is particularly important, as it differentiates the H antigen from other blood group antigens like A and B, which have additional sugars added to the structure.

In the context of blood typing, the presence or absence of the H antigen and the specific configurations of sugars lead to the classification of blood groups. For instance, individuals with type O blood express only the H antigen as they do not have the enzymes to convert it into A or B antigens.

The other options contain incorrect arrangements or components that do not accurately reflect the established structure of the H antigen, where for example, wrong or missing sugar constituents would disqual

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