Effect of metal ions on the lysis of yeast cells by cationic dyes and surfactants

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Abstract
Uranyl ions and thorium ions are effective in preventing cytolysis by Toluidine Blue and Azure A because they interfere with dye uptake by the cells. Neither uranyl nor thorium ions prevent the uptake of cetrimide or cetylpyridinium chloride. Cetylpyridinium chloride is capable of releasing previously bound uranyl ions from the cell surface. Anionic groups belonging to lipid constituents of the cell membrane may be involved in the uptake of uranyl and thorium ions as well as in the binding of dye and surfactants cations respectively. Possible cytolytic mechanisms involving polar interactions at the cell surface with lytic cations are discussed.