Studies on the selectivity of DNA precipitation by spermine

We have examined the selectivity of the precipitation of DNA by spermine. We have found that the intra- and intermolecular condensation of DNA induced by spermine is highly selective even in the presence of added protein or triphosphates. We have also investigated the influence of buffer components on the threshold concentration of spermine required for DNA precipitation. Representative applications exploiting the selectivity of the precipitation reaction are also described.