Separation of polyamines, conjugated to DNA, by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Genomic DNA was isolated from the lichen Evernia prunastri in order to analyze by high-performance liquid chromatography the occurrence of polyamines conjugated to the macromolecule. The acid-insoluble (PH) fraction of this DNA contained mainly conjugated spermidine, although small amounts of free putrescine and spermidine were also present. The PH fraction of DNA also contained conjugated evernic acid, the main phenol produced by this lichen species. Conjugation of polyamines to calf thymus DNA was carried out under in vitro conditions. Conjugation was to spermidine and mainly to spermine and produced DNA compactation. Evernic acid enhanced the action of polyamines in order to produce DNA aggregation.