spermine

American  

[spur-meen, -min] / ˈspɜr min, -mɪn /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a polyamine, H 2 N(CH2 ) 3 NH(CH2 ) 4 NH(CH2 ) 3 NH 2 , formed from spermidine and occurring in all cells, especially prevalent in semen, sputum, pancreatic tissue, and certain yeasts.

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spermine British  

/ -mɪn, ˈspɜːmiːn /

noun

1. a white or colourless basic water-soluble amine that is found in semen, sputum, and animal tissues; diaminopropyltetramethylenediamine. Formula: C 10 H 26 N 4

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Etymology

Origin of spermine

First recorded in 1890–95; sperm- + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have clarified how spermine - a small molecule that regulates many processes in the body's cells - can guard against diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: it renders certain proteins harmless by acting a bit like cheese on noodles, making them clump together.

From Science Daily

A naturally occurring molecule in the body called spermine is offering new hope.

From Science Daily

In laboratory experiments, a team led by Jinghui Luo at the Center for Life Sciences at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI showed that spermine can extend the lifespan of small nematode worms, improve their movement as they age, and strengthen their cellular power plants, the mitochondria.

From Science Daily

The researchers saw that spermine supports the body's immune system in removing nerve-damaging amyloid protein deposits.

From Science Daily

Spermine is essential for the functioning of the organism.

From Science Daily