[Metis (OP)]

I use yeast cells and measured their chronological lifespan with SytoxGreen staining. If cells are dead, their DNA can be stained by SytoxGreen because the membranes are permeable. The stain was analyzed by flow cytometry.
In my experiments, I used respiration-deficient yeast cells (cyc3∆) and tested the percentage of the cells that were stained by SytoxGreen. The number dropped very quickly and reached 20% on day 25 of the culture. However, the number kept the same afterwards. When I ended my experiment on day 50 of the culture, 20% of the respiration-deficient cells were still 'alive', while they couldn't form any colonies on a plate.
I'm wondering why these cells could live such long. Mutation could be one of the reasons, and are there any other possibilities?

[Zer0]

@Metis

Hi!
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Interesting Experiment!
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Had a query...
Can Yeast Cells be both, Aerobic & Anaerobic?
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Aerobic - " In the presence of oxygen, yeast undergo aerobic respiration and convert carbohydrates (sugar source) into carbon dioxide and water. "
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Anaerobic - " In the absence of oxygen, yeasts undergo fermentation and convert carbohydrates into carbon dioxide and alcohol. "
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P.S. - From US All...Welcome to the TNS Forum.
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EnJoY!
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[Metis (OP)]

@Zer0

Hi, thank you for your reply! Yes, yeast can do both aerobic and anaerobic. But yeast prefers anaerobic even with the presence of oxygen. When all the sugar source is consumed, yeast cells can do aerobic (with the presence of oxygen) and convert alcohol into carbon dioxide and water.

[Zer0]

🙄

WooW!

Your Response was soo quick & soo swift...like a Ninja...lurking in it's Shadow.
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Thanks for your Explanation.
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I do Not have a Medical background, hence won't be able to contribute much to your OP.
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P.S. - Apologies for the Extremely Delayed response to your OP.
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Welcome once again!
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Hopefully, some Experts shall walk in & be able to provide useful insights on the Topic.
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Tc!