Forensic Biology: Serology and DNA Analysis
Q: In the context of forensic biology, quality assurance protocols are well-developed because biological samples are rare and difficult to obtain.
Did You Know?
True. Human placental lactogen (hPL), also known as human chorionic somatomammotropin, is a peptide hormone produced by the syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta during pregnancy. Its structure and function are similar to both growth hormone (GH) and prolactin. Like GH, hPL has anti-insulin and lipolytic effects, leading to increased free fatty acids for maternal energy use and sparing glucose for the fetus. Like prolactin, it helps prepare the mammary glands for lactation. hPL contributes to the insulin resistance and increased nutrient availability characteristic of pregnancy, ensuring a steady supply of glucose and other fuels to the growing fetus. Its levels rise throughout pregnancy and are proportional to placental mass. While not essential for pregnancy (women with hPL deficiency can have normal pregnancies), it is a significant metabolic adaptor hormone.
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