Multifaceted role of glucose and its metabolism in the regulation of physiological parameters and reproductive potential of the cells on the example of research using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract

Glucose is not only the primary source of energy, but also a compound which plays an important role in the metabolism and maintenance of the proper physiological state of the cell. This is particularly pronounced in the case of yeasts, in which the influence of glucose on the physiological state of the cell is directly manifested. Among other by obtaining energy through fermentation or aerobic respiration depending on the availability of glucose. Glucose-dependent modulation of intracellular metabolic pathways influence on the reproductive potential and
lifespan of the cells, what links glucose with calorie restriction studies. At the same time, there is a noticeable lack of data concerning the calorie excess and its consequences at the cellular level. Using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells as a research model, a significant relationship between glucose concentration, biosynthetic efficiency, reproductive potential and total lifespan of yeast cells was found. High glucose concentrations, corresponding to the
calorie excess conditions, lead to an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species, an increase in cell size and cell biomass, but at the same time, it reduces the reproductive potential and shortens the total lifespan of the yeast cell. The negative impact of glucose excess on the physiological state of the cell as well as the complexity and interrelationships of intracellular metabolic pathways suggest that the issue of glucose metabolism need further investigations.