Some properties of the adenosine triphosphatase systems of two yeast species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Rhodotorula glutinis.

Abstract

1. Total ATPase levels were determined in homogenate fractions of baker's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae K and Rhodotorula glutinis. The maximum ATPase activities in 8000 X g supernatant of the three yeast strains were 6.0, 1.9, and 2.2 mmol Pih-1 (gDS)-1, respectively; the activities in the sediment were somewhat higher. Exponential cells of S. cerevisiae K and R. glutinis exhibited higher ATPase levels than did the stationary cells. 2. The total ATPase activity in both yeast species showed a maximum at ph 6.8 a minimum at pH 7.2, and another broader masimum around pH 8.0. 3. No significant NaK-ATPase activity was detected in baker's yeast, in either the exponential or the stationary cells of R. glutinis, and in exponential S. cerevisiae K cells in the pH range of 6.0-9.3. 4. Stationary cells of S. cerevisiae K exhibited, at pH 7.0-8.5, A Na,K-ATPase activity attaining 9% of total ATPase level. 5.3 X 10(-3) M phenylmethyl sulphonyl fluoride had no effect on the total ATPase level in S. cerevisiae and inhibited the activity in R. glutinis by 25%; it did not bring forth any Na,K-ATPase activity apart from that found in its absence. 6. 1.5 M urea lowered the ATPase activity in R. glutinis by 68% but had no effect on S. cerevisiae cells. 10(-5) M dicyclohexylcarbodiimide suppressed the ATPase activity in S. cerevisiae and R. glutinis by 74 and 79%, respectively. Neither agent revealed and additional Na,K-ATPase activity. 7. The comparison of Na,K-ATPase activities with data on K+ fluxes across the yeast plasma membrane suggested that even with the lower flux values the Na,K-ATPase, even if present, would account for a mere 40% of transported ions. The results imply that the active ion transport in yeasts is energized by mechanisms other than the Na,K-ATPase.