Polyphosphate Metabolism in X-Irradiated Division-Inhibited Yeast Cells

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Abstract
To describe more fully an effect of X-radiation on P compounds of yeast cells, formation of and P transfer from acid-insoluble and soluble polyphosphates were measured. Uptake of P32 into insoluble polyphosphates was rapid and was greater in irradiated than in unirradiated cells. Uptake into soluble polyphosphates occurred at a low rate and was decreased in irradiated cells. When cells were transferred from 1 growth medium to another before irradiation, the above responses were reversed, and P32 incorporation into nucleic acid was reduced. Possible mechanisms for these effects are discussed and lead to the conclusions that the response of polyphosphates to X-radiation probably is a secondary radiation effect, and that metabolic pathways interfered with by irradiation may be altered markedly by the techniques used in handling the cells. Incorporation of P32 into the phospholipids of irradiated cells was reduced somewhat in each of the types of experiment performed, and P32 incorporation into an acid soluble organic P fraction was increased.