What is the central idea behind Landsteiner's blood groups?
The central idea is one of inherent, specific biological individuality at the red blood cell surface. My research, particularly my studies on the agglutination of human blood, demonstrated that the red blood cells of one person possess specific substances, which I termed agglutinogens, that can react with corresponding antibodies present in the serum of another. This reaction, the agglutination, is highly specific. It is a matter of empirical fact that individuals can be classified into groups – A, B, AB, and O – based on which of these agglutinogens they possess. One cannot assume that all human blood is universally compatible. The data are consistent with these distinct, genetically determined variations.
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