Inactivation and mutation of yeast cells by hydrogen peroxide

It has been found that inactivation and mutation to respiratory deficiency of yeast cells can be induced by hydrogen peroxide treatment. However, considerable inconsistencies were encountered in measuring these responses. The inconsistencies were found to arise from differences in the abilities of cells in different metabolic states to destroy H2O2 and in the intrinsic sensitivities of cells in different growth states. Parallels are drawn with previous inactivation data from bacterial studies suggesting reparable lesions in DNA provide a useful model to explain H2O2-induced inactivation, but it is not yet possible to eliminate alternative interpretations. Mutation induction in stationary phase cells is strongly depressed at high "doses" of H2O2 (or low cell survival), as is found with a variety of other agents.