Effect of calcium levels on structure and function of mitochondria in yeast under high glucose fermentation

In this study, the effects of calcium levels on structure and function of mitochondria under high glucose environment were studied. In the high glucose environment, yeast growth capacity was inhibited, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was increased from 6 h to 12 h, while ROS content was reduced in group with 1 × 10^-1 and 1 g/L CaCl₂ level from 24 h to 36 h. Exogenous calcium addition had a significant effect on the elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ and cytochrome C content in yeast from 6 h to 12 h; mitochondrial membrane potential decreased with the increase of CaCl₂ level under high glucose levels. Mitochondrial swelling of yeast was influenced by high glucose levels and showed a regulatory dynamic change by Ca²⁺ levels. Isocitrate dehydrogenase activity increased in 1 × 10^-3 g/L CaCl₂ level from 6 h to 12 h, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity increased with an increase in CaCl₂ level from 6 h to 24 h. Calcium affected the structure and function of mitochondria by regulating the intracellular signal, enzymes in tricarboxylic acid cycle, and cytochrome system of yeast under high glucose stress.