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spermine

C2

Pronunciation

UK

  • /spˈɜːmɪn/

US

  • /spˈɜːmɪn/

Description

The name may sound unusual at first. Although it was first found in semen, this is a natural polyamine, a small organic substance, that appears in living cells throughout the body. You can think of it as a quiet helper that supports the structure of DNA and RNA and helps cells do their normal work. Scientists also study it because its levels can change with age, but its full role in aging and health is still being explored. So even if most people never hear about it, this small molecule is present behind the scenes in the life of a cell.

Examples

  1. 1

    Blood samples

    Scientists found unusually low spermine levels in some of the blood samples.

    • Meaning

      spermine

      a natural chemical found in cells

  2. 2

    Lab testing

    In the lab, the researchers added spermine to the solution before testing the DNA.

  3. 3

    Research paper

    The paper examines how spermine levels may change with age and disease.

See also

nouna naturally occurring polyamine involved in cell growth and genetic material stability

Similar

  • N,N'-bis(3-aminopropyl)-1,4-butanediamine

Shades of meaning

  • tetraamine

Contrast

  • monoamine

Do not confuse

  • spermidine

Used with (collocations)

  • spermine synthase
  • spermine levels
  • spermine metabolism

Explore

  • polyamine
  • putrescine

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • spermine