Increase of the anion and proton permeability of Saccharomyces carlsbergensis plasmalemma by n-alcohols as a possible cause of its de-energization.

The effect of n-alcohols on ATP-dependent generation of delta pH and Em across the plasma membrane vesicles of the yeast Saccharomyces carlsbergensis was investigated. The alcohols were shown to collapse delta pH and Em in the order C2 less than C3 less than C4 less than C5 less than or equal to C6 greater than or equal to C7 greater than C8 greater than C11, the dissipation of Em being more pronounced. Inhibition of the plasmalemma H(+)-ATPase was insignificant; at low alcohol concentrations its activity even increased. The basic reason for the toxic effect of the alcohols on the yeast cells was suggested to be due to the increase in the anion and proton permeability of the plasma membrane. Mg2+ partially prevented the increase in the plasmalemma ion permeability by the alcohols investigated.