Biochemical responses in a Candida famata strain adapted to high copper concentrations

A strain of Candida famata adapted to high copper concentration (1.26 mM) and a number of biochemical parameters have been tested, in order to get information on the mechanisms of metal toxicity and detoxification as well as on the metabolic responses to the treatment. The cytoplasmic levels of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and glutathione were found significantly increased with respect to control cells, in contrast to catalase which is not affected. The activities of enolase and of triosephosphate isomerase are found to decrease as a consequence of the exposure to copper. Statistically significant differences in the content of some aminoacids are found between copper-treated and control cells.