Effect of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone on physical properties of saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) is a model eukaryotic organism often used in metabolic and electrochemical studies [1]. S. cerevisiae cells are robust, very metabolically active, have a short reproduction cycle, are easy and cost effective to grow and store. Cell-based electrochemical systems can be used as microbial fuel cells and biosensors for industrial, medical, environmental and research purposes. We electrochemically monitored metabolism and reaction to certain substances by using various electron transfer mediators, which interact with cellular structures and processes and carry electrons from cells to the electrode [1]. These mediators affect not only the electrochemical but also the physical properties of the cell. These changes can be evaluated using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), which is a non-invasive, probe-based microscopy method. AFM is widely used for biological samples to obtain valuable information about membrane elasticity, topography, cell adhesion and some internal structures [2]. In our study the effect of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone was investigated. An increase in yeast cells’ membrane roughness by affecting them by 9,10-phenanthrenequinone was observed. From force-distance curves, measured by affecting cells with different concentration of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, modulus of elasticity was calculated by applying Sneddon mathematical model. Modulus of elasticity decreased by increasing concentration of 9,10-phenanthrenequinone. This information can help to simply determine the effects of toxicity on living cells by evaluating their physical properties.