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      The natural polyamine spermine functions directly as a free radical scavenger.

      Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
      Azides, chemistry, Cell Nucleus, Copper, metabolism, Cyclic N-Oxides, DNA Damage, genetics, Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy, Free Radical Scavengers, Hydroxyl Radical, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, Molecular Structure, Plasmids, Reactive Oxygen Species, Spermine, physiology

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          Abstract

          The polyamines are small organic cations that are absolutely required for eukaryotic cell growth. Although their growth requirements are well established, the molecular functions of the polyamines are ill-defined. Oxidative damage to DNA by reactive oxygen species is a continual problem that cells must guard against to survive. The polyamine spermine, which is normally found in millimolar concentrations in the nucleus, is shown here to function directly as a free radical scavenger, and adducts formed as a result of this function are identified. These data suggest that spermine is a major natural intracellular compound capable of protecting DNA from free radical attack.

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