Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true about acid phosphatase?

1. It is present in high levels in blood plasma.

2. It is primarily found in cells of the liver.

3. It can be used as a marker for semen detection.

4. It has no significant role in forensic science.

The correct answer is: It can be used as a marker for semen detection.

The selected statement is accurate because acid phosphatase is an enzyme that is indeed found in high concentrations in seminal fluid, making it a valuable marker for forensic investigations related to sexual assault cases. Its presence in semen helps forensic scientists confirm the occurrence of sexual activity, assisting in both the collection of evidence and the establishment of connections between suspects and victims. Forensic applications hinge on the specific attributes of certain substances, and acid phosphatase serves as a biological marker in sexual assault cases due to its elevated levels in semen. This contrasts with other biological markers, as acid phosphatase is less relevant in cases involving other bodily fluids or tissues. The other statements do not hold true in the context of acid phosphatase. While it can be found in the blood, its levels are not particularly high in blood plasma compared to its concentration in semen. Additionally, while acid phosphatase is present in various tissues, including the liver, that is not its primary site of action or its most significant relevance in forensic science. Lastly, its importance in forensic investigations highlights that it does, in fact, hold a significant role.