Used to precipitate DNA from low salt aqueous buffers.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Mixed NMDA agonist/antagonist at the polyamine site. Neuroprotective effects have been observed at high concentrations (1 mM), while neurotoxicity is observed at lower concentrations. It enhances agonist effectiveness at the strychnine-insensitive glycine site. Plays a role in cellular proliferation and differentiation; inhibits neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS).
Mixed NMDA agonist/antagonist at the polyamine site. Plays a role in cellular proliferation and differentiation; inhibits neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS).
General description
Spermine is a polyamine involved in cellular metabolism and DNA stabilization. In molecular biology it can be used in buffers for purification of DNA.