protamine A generic term for a group of strongly basic, globular proteins of relatively low molecular weight, which contain large quantities of the amino acid arginine, but no sulphur. They are found associated with nucleic acids, particularly in sperm cells.

protamine A generic term for a group of strongly basic, globular proteins of relatively low molecular weight, which contain large quantities of the amino acid arginine, but no sulphur. They are found associated with nucleic acids.

protamine Any of a group of proteins of relatively low molecular weight found in association with the chromosomal DNA of vertebrate sperm cells. They contain a single polypeptide chain comprising about 67% arginine. Protamines serve in packaging the highly condensed DNA of the germ-cell chromosomes.

protamine (proh-tă-meen) n. one of a group of simple proteins that can be conjugated with nucleic acids to form nucleoproteins. p. sulphate an antidote to heparin overdosage in oral anticoagulant therapy. p. zinc insulin a combination of protamine, insulin, and zinc that is absorbed much more slowly than ordinary insulin and thus reduces the frequency of injections.