Russian Article pp. 279-284

The accumulation of nucleic and protein (amino nitrogen) components as decomposition products of the process of autolysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells was studied at 50°C under the effect of various membranotropic additives. The influence of the added n-alcohols, n-fatty acids and several peptides was investigated in the range of concentration of 0.1–0.5 M. The maximal acceleration of the autolysis has been demonstrated under the effect of additives with a hydrophobicity of 7.5–8.5 ccal/M. In all the investigated concentrations stearic acid and octadecyl alcohol have an inhibitory influence. The role of the hydrophobic influences and the mechanism of autolysis are discussed.