Cell Size Influences the Reproductive Potential and Total Lifespan of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast as Revealed by the Analysis of Polyploid Strains

Figure 5

Morphological changes of the yeast cells during the reproductive phase of growth. (a) Changes in the shape of the yeast cell during the reproductive phase of life were assessed by analysis of microscopic images recorded during the reproductive potential determination procedure. The images are representative of all cells analyzed in two independent experiments. (b) The ratio of surface area and cell volume (A/V) changes depending on the shape and type of the cell growth. (1) The isotropic growth of spherical cells leads to fast decrease in the A/V ratio value. (2) The elongational type of growth of ellipsoidal cells when their size is increased in the two axial planes leads to fast decrease in the A/V ratio value. (3) The elongational type of growth of ellipsoidal cells when their size is increased only in axial plane b leads to fast decrease in the A/V ratio value. (4) For the elongational type of growth of ellipsoidal cells when growth occurs in one axial plane, the cell may maintain an almost steady value of the A/V ratio. The red arrows show a growth direction.

(a)

(b)