Fine Structures of the Cells of Saccharoinyces cerevisiae Grown in Potassium-Deficient Media

Abstract

Saccharomyces cerevisiae has the ability to grow utilizing sodium in a potassium-deficient media. In this study, differences in the fine structures of the cells of S. cerevisiae grown in potassiumsufficient and potassium-deficient media were observed through an electron microscope, and the quantities of sodium and potassium incorporated in the cells were measured.
1) In scanning electron microscopic observation, the cells grown in potassium-deficient media were found to be enlarged and daughter cells did not divide and separate from the mother cells.
In transmission electron microscopic observation, the cells grown in potassium-deficient media showed abnormal endoplasmic reticula growth and the presence of potassium permanganatephile substances. Although the chained cells formed nuclei and septal walls, cell division appeared impaired.
2) The potassium and sodium content of cells grown in potassium-sufficient media was 2.7% and 0.9% of the dry cell weight, respectively, while the sodium content of cells grown in potassiumdeficient media was 11.6%. These results showed that approximately 13 times of the amount of sodium incorporated in cells grown in potassium-sufficient media was incorporated in cells grown in potassium-deficient media.