SOME OBSERVATIONS ON A CELL FREE LIPID SYNTHESIZING SYSTEM FROM SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

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Abstract
Methods were given for the preparation of homogenates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae capable of incorporating acetate-1-C14 into fatty acids, ergosterol, lecithin, hydrocarbons and, probably, neutral fat. When CO2 was absorbed from the atmosphere, such extracts incorporated significantly less acetate into fatty acids than in air, and higher counts appeared in the non-saponifiable lipids. Using non-labeled acetate, it was found that these extracts carry out net synthesis of fatty acids and non-saponifiable lipids. Fractionation of the homogenate revealed the small particle fraction to be more active in lipogenesis in this system than the large particle fraction. The latter is necessary for maximal respiration of these extracts, and appears to contain cytochrome pigments and cyto-chrome oxidase. Chemical analysis of the two particulate fractions showed major differences in their content of phospholipid and ribo-nucleic acid.