erittäjät

Erittäjät is a Finnish term that translates to "secretors" in English. In the context of human biology, it refers to individuals who possess a genetic trait that influences the secretion of certain substances into bodily fluids. Specifically, this trait relates to the expression of the ABO blood group antigens on the surface of red blood cells and also in other body fluids such as saliva, tears, and digestive juices.

Individuals are classified as either secretors or non-secretors based on their genotype. Secretors have a dominant gene that allows them to express their ABO blood group antigens in their secretions, making their blood type detectable even in non-blood samples. Non-secretors, on the other hand, lack this gene and do not secrete these antigens in their bodily fluids. Approximately 80% of the world's population are secretors, while the remaining 20% are non-secretors.

The secretor status is inherited and is determined by the presence of at least one dominant allele (Se) for secretion. Individuals with the genotype SeSe or Sese are secretors, while those with the genotype sese are non-secretors. This genetic trait has been studied in relation to various health conditions, though its clinical significance is still a subject of ongoing research. The ability to determine secretor status can be done through genetic testing or by analyzing the presence of ABO antigens in saliva.