Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlocking Pregnancy Quick & Accurate hCG Test Guide!

Word Count Emoji
530 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Hey future scientists! 👋 Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of pregnancy testing and the hormone hCG. Trust me, it's like the 'Avengers' but for biochemistry. Ready? Let's roll! 🚀

What's hCG?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a protein, not a small one but medium-sized. Think of it like the middle child of proteins.

  • Key Role: Produced by embryo's trophoblast cells, starting at the blastocyst stage.
  • Real-world example: You know how a car engine needs fuel to run? Similarly, a pregnancy needs hCG to sustain. No hCG = No pregnancy.

Why's hCG So Cool?

  • It keeps the pregnancy from falling apart by maintaining the corpus luteum for the first 10 weeks.
  • The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which basically keeps the uterine lining comfy for the baby.
  • After 8-12 weeks, the placenta takes over and starts secreting progesterone.

🍕 Pizza Analogy: Imagine the corpus luteum as your first pizza slice and the placenta as the whole pizza. Initially, one slice satisfies you, but eventually, you need the whole pizza to keep you happy. That's progesterone for you!

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IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlocking Pregnancy Quick & Accurate hCG Test Guide!

Word Count Emoji
530 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Hey future scientists! 👋 Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of pregnancy testing and the hormone hCG. Trust me, it's like the 'Avengers' but for biochemistry. Ready? Let's roll! 🚀

What's hCG?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a protein, not a small one but medium-sized. Think of it like the middle child of proteins.

  • Key Role: Produced by embryo's trophoblast cells, starting at the blastocyst stage.
  • Real-world example: You know how a car engine needs fuel to run? Similarly, a pregnancy needs hCG to sustain. No hCG = No pregnancy.

Why's hCG So Cool?

  • It keeps the pregnancy from falling apart by maintaining the corpus luteum for the first 10 weeks.
  • The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which basically keeps the uterine lining comfy for the baby.
  • After 8-12 weeks, the placenta takes over and starts secreting progesterone.

🍕 Pizza Analogy: Imagine the corpus luteum as your first pizza slice and the placenta as the whole pizza. Initially, one slice satisfies you, but eventually, you need the whole pizza to keep you happy. That's progesterone for you!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟