Phospholipid accumulation during the cell cycle in synchronous cultures of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Phospholipid concentrations have been examined throughout successive cell cycles in synchronously growing cultures of the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Total phospholipid phosphorus, as well as lecithin and phosphatidylethanolamine levels, exhibited stepwise increases during the cell cycle with step increments beginning just prior to new rounds of bud formation. Phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine levels, on the other hand, showed what have been interpreted to be peak concentrations near the time of bud formation. Cardiolipin content varied considerably and was dependent upon the carbon source of the growth medium. Glucose-grown cells exhibited peak concentrations of cardiolipin near the time of bud formation, with marked decreases after this time. In contrast, galactose-grown synchronous cells exhibited stepwise increments in cardiolipin content, with step increases occurring near the time of new rounds of bud formation. Step or peak increases in cardiolipin, as well as all other phospholipids, were found to coincide with the time of stepwise increases in cytochrome c oxidase activity in these cells. No correlations were observed between the elaboration of mitochondrial membranes during the synchronous cell cycle and the observed patterns of phospholipid increase.