"Spermophile" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
The word "spermophile" refers to a type of large, four-striped ground squirrel, typically brown or gray in color, found in North America. They are rodents that live in a network of underground tunnels and burrows and are known for storing seeds, nuts, and fruits for food. Spermophiles are often referred to as "prairie dogs" outside of North America.
Spermine is a dibase polyamine compound found in all living tissues. It is synthesized by decarboxylating the amino acid arginine. Spermine has various functions in the cell, such as cellular proliferation, viability, and apoptosis avoidance, at least in part by modulating ion channels and signaling pathways. It is also involved in cellular defense against oxidative stress.