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[Binding of silver ions by Candida utilis cells]
Mikrobiologiia
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Silver ions bind to Candida utilis cell surfaces, primarily in cell walls and membranes. Protoplasts are more sensitive to silver toxicity, suggesting membrane function changes are key.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Candida utilis is a yeast with potential applications in bioremediation.
- Silver ions exhibit antimicrobial properties but their interaction with yeast cells requires further elucidation.
- Understanding metal-ion binding is crucial for optimizing bioremediation strategies and assessing environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the binding mechanism and localization of silver ions in Candida utilis cells.
- To compare the sensitivity of intact cells and protoplasts to silver ion toxicity.
- To explore the role of cell membranes in silver ion-induced toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Adsorption studies to quantify silver ion binding.
- Cell fractionation to determine silver localization.
- Toxicity assays using intact cells and protoplasts.
Main Results:
- Silver ions primarily adsorb to the cell surface of Candida utilis.
- Approximately 90% of bound silver was found in cell walls and cytoplasmic membranes.
- Protoplasts exhibited significantly higher sensitivity to silver ions compared to intact cells.
Conclusions:
- Silver ion binding in Candida utilis is mainly an extracellular process, concentrated in cell walls and membranes.
- The increased sensitivity of protoplasts suggests that cytoplasmic membranes are critical targets for silver ion toxicity.
- Disruption of cytoplasmic membrane functions is likely responsible for the toxic effects of silver ions on Candida utilis.