Abstract
The life cycle of microorganisms is associated with dynamic metabolic transitions and complex cellular responses. In yeast, how metabolic signals control the progressive establishment of structural reorganizations observed in quiescent cells remains unclear. To address this question, we have developed a method that combines nutrient-limited proliferation assays at the population level with single-cell tracking to unravel the coordination between metabolic and structural transitions in cells during an unperturbed lifecycle. We show that non-monotonous internal pH fluctuations are in sync with successive waves of protein super-assemblies formation and ultimately lead to a cytosolic glass transition. Our results, therefore, suggest a simple model explaining how the complex developmental changes during the yeast life cycle are orchestrated by the sequence of metabolic transitions.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
