Inheritance
The D antigen is inherited as one gene (RHD) (on the short arm of the first chromosome, p36.13-p34.3) with various alleles. Though very much simplified, one can think of alleles that are positive or negative for the D antigen. The gene codes for the RhD protein on the red cell membrane. D- individuals who lack a functional RHD gene do not produce the D antigen, and may be immunized by D+ blood.
The epitopes for the next 4 most common Rh antigens, C, c, E and e are expressed on the highly similar RhCE protein that is genetically encoded in the RHCE gene, also cound on chromosome 1. It has been shown that the RHD gene arose by duplication of the RHCE gene during primate evolution. Mice have just one RH gene.
The RHAG gene, responsible for encoding Rh-associated glycoprotein (RhAG) is found on chromosome 6a.
The polypeptides produced from the RHD and RHCE genes form a complex on the red blood cell membrane with the Rh-associated glycoprotein.
Read more about this topic: Rh Blood Group System
Famous quotes containing the word inheritance:
“A slave who deals wisely will rule over a child who acts shamefully, and will share the inheritance as one of the family.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Proverbs 17:2.
“Say not you know another entirely till you have divided an inheritance with him.”
—Johann Kaspar Lavater (1741–1801)
“Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?””
—Bible: New Testament, Luke 12:13,14.
Jesus.