Changes in Sizes of Yeast Cells During Multiplication

Abstract

The changes in distribution of sizes of cells with time are described for the growth of a population of yeast. These changes follow a definite cycle, which is associated with the accumulation of toxic excretion products in the culture medium. When the medium is kept effectively constant the cycle does not occur. The method proposed by Becking for the analysis of growth as determined by the size of the cell that is about to divide is not applicable, without fundamental modification, to the analysis of the growth of yeast. Bud formation is independent of the size of the mother cell, and seems to be determined by the physiological condition of the larger cells, which are less affected by changes in the culture medium.