[Primary distribution of n-alkane through the structures of yeast cells]

When n-alkane enters the cells as a result of molecular sorption and diffusion, it is distributed within all membrane structures of the cell (microsomes, mitochondria, membranes, vacuoles, cytoplasmic membranes, and cell walls). Sorption of n-alkane by all these structures in vivo comes at equilibrium after incubation of the cells with n-alkane during 3-4 min. Accumulation of the hydrocarbon in the morphological fractions of the cell depends on its concentration in the incubation medium. Isotherms of the sorption are convex curves. Sorption power, maximum sorption capacity, affinity and strength of the bonds with the hydrocarbon differ among the membrane structures of the cell. The maximum capacity of sorption of n-alkane by the structures does not correlate with the content of lipids and phospholipids in the structures. Sorption of n-alkanes is presumed to depend on the structural organization of lipids in the morphological fractions.