The H gene

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Introduction to the ABO Blood Group System. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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The H gene

Three separate loci (ABO, Hh, and Se) contain the genes that control the location and occurrence of the A and B antigens. Hh and Se genes are closely linked on chromosome 19. The precursor substance is acted upon by the H gene and is converted to H substance, with the involvement of the enzyme, fucosyltransferase. There are only two recognized alleles at this locus: the active form, H, and an amorph, h. The H gene is a high-incidence gene. People who inherit hh are extremely rare. Since the h gene is amorphic, it does not act on the precursor substance.

The H gene can convert the precursor substance to the H substance. The hh gene, as an amorph, cannot.