Yeast cell membrane

The **yeast cell membrane** is not a single protein or receptor but rather the lipid bilayer that surrounds yeast cells, most notably Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is composed primarily of **glycerophospholipids** (~70%), **sphingolipids** (~15%), and the sterol **ergosterol** (~15%)[1]. The membrane supports critical biological functions including compartmentalization, nutrient transport, and surface signaling via embedded proteins. The composition of lipids (acyl chain length, saturation, ergosterol content) strongly influences membrane thickness, permeability, and protein function[1][4][5]. The yeast plasma membrane is the site of action for critical antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B and azoles, which target ergosterol directly or its biosynthetic pathway. While not a therapeutic target itself, many embedded proteins (e.g., transporters, ATPases) are therapeutically relevant, and the membrane as a whole is a *functional drug target* in antifungal therapy due to its unique composition relative to mammalian cells. The term "yeast cell membrane" is therefore not a specific molecular target but rather refers to a fundamental cellular structure and should not be treated as a singular receptor, enzyme, or well-defined drug target[5][1]. **Note:** - "Yeast cell membrane" should not be considered a canonical therapeutic target as defined by a single protein or receptor. - For drug discovery and database applications, targeting such a structure would typically involve specifying underlying proteins (e.g., ergosterol, transporter proteins) or pathways. - The term encompasses a structural entity, not a discrete molecule, hence the "is_incorrect" flag.

Other names

Fungal cell membrane (non-specific)Saccharomyces cerevisiae plasma membrane (when referring to baker's yeast)

Disruption of membrane integrity (e.g., amphotericin B forms pores in ergosterol-containing membranes); Inhibition of sterol (ergosterol) biosynthesis (azoles); Increased membrane permeability leading to cell death