[Binding of silver ions by Candida utilis cells]

Binding of silver ions by the cells of Candida utilis involves their adsorption on the cell surface. It was found that 90% of all silver bound by the cells was localized in the fraction of cell walls and cytoplasmic membranes. The sensitivity of protoplasts to the toxic action of silver ions is much higher than that of intact cells. The toxic effect of silver ions is supposed to be related to changes in the functions of cytoplasmic membranes.