  Modeling of ion transport via plasma membrane needs identification and
quantitative understanding of the involved processes. Brief characterization of
main ion transport systems of a yeast cell (Pma1, Ena1, TOK1, Nha1, Trk1, Trk2,
non-selective cation conductance) and determining the exact number of molecules
of each transporter per a typical cell allow us to predict the corresponding
ion flows. In this review a comparison of ion transport in small yeast cell and
several animal cell types is provided. The importance of cell volume to surface
ratio is emphasized. The role of cell wall and lipid rafts is discussed in
respect to required increase in spatial and temporal resolution of
measurements. Conclusions are formulated to describe specific features of ion
transport in a yeast cell. Potential directions of future research are outlined
based on the assumptions.
