EFFECT OF ALKALINE-EARTH METAL SALTS ON FLOCCULENCE<i>IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE</i>

Abstract

Flocculation in three strains of Saccharoymces cerevisiae is inhibited by two classes of ionic substances: (1) the alkaline-earth metal ions Sr and Ba, and (2) Ca complexing substances. Sr appears to be competitive with Ca in the flocculence mechanism because the extent of inhibition depends mainly on the ratio of Sr and Ca concentrations. The observations imply that the Ca requirement for flocculation is by a specific, unique process, and not by the commonly presumed charge neutralization or Ca salt-bridging mechanism.