Interaction of cations with phosphate uptake by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Effects of surface potential.

The effect of bivalent cations on phosphate uptake by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated. Phosphate uptake via the Na+-dependent transport system at pH 7.2 is stimulated by bivalent cations. The apparent affinity of phosphate for the transport mechanism is increased, but the apparent affinity for Na+ is decreased. Uptake of phosphate via the Na+-independent transport system is accompanied by a net proton influx of 2H+ and an efflux of 1 K+ for each phosphate ion taken up. At pH 4.5 phosphate uptake via the Na+-independent system is stimulated by bivalent cations, whereas at pH 7.2 uptake is inhibited. The effect of bivalent cations on phosphate uptake can be ascribed to a decrease in the surface potential.