Really ignorant question regarding, well, semen

[Sophie]

What is the compound/element/substance in semen that shows up in forensic testing other than sperm cells?

TIA.

Apologies in advance, too: couldn't be more ignorant about this stuff.

 

[DeeDee249]

What is the compound/element/substance in semen that shows up in forensic testing other than sperm cells?

TIA.

Apologies in advance, too: couldn't be more ignorant about this stuff.

There is seminal fluid. Sperm are contained in the testicles and enter the seminal fluid in the vas deferens, which propel the sperm along and where it joins with other fluids from various glands which make up the fluid. Basically it is protein, which is what a black light (fluoroscope) will test for, and similar proteins are in blood and urine which also show up in luminol testing.

 

[Sophie]

Ty so much, DeeDee: you're a star

Sorry for late reply after you responded so quickly. Haven't been able to get online for a few days.