[Effect of zinc ions on Candida utilis]

The effect of zinc on the growth of Candida utilis was studied as well as on the rates of RNA and protein synthesis, and the uptake of zinc ions by the cells. The kinetics of C. utilis growth inhibition by zinc ions can be described by the equation for noncompetitive inhibition of enzymatic reactions. The uptake of zinc is a two-phase process. Zinc ions are adsorbed by the surface of the cell at the first phase, and are actively transported inside the cell at the second phase. Protein synthesis is suppressed by zinc ions more than RNA synthesis. Apparently protein synthesis is most sensitive to zinc among other metabolic processes and its inhibition caused deceleration of growth and then death of cells.