The osmotic tolerance of cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a function of glycerol concentration and temperature has been investigated. Results show that under isothermal conditions (25 degreesC) cells are resistant (94% viability) to hyperosmotic treatment at 49.2 MPa. A thigher osmotic pressure, cell viability decreases to 25% at 99 MPa. Yeast resistance to high osmotic stress (99 Mpa) is enhanced at low temperatures (5-41 degreesC). Therefore, the temperature at which hyperosmatic pressure is achieved greatly affects cell viability. These results suggest that temperature control is a suitable means of enhancing cell survival in response to osmotic dehydration.