The structures of the trigonal crystal form of bovine beta-lactoglobul
in variant A at pH 6.2, 7.1, and 8.2 have been determined by X-ray dif
fraction methods at a resolution of 2.56, 2.24, and 2.49 Angstrom resp
ectively. The corresponding values for R (R-free) are 0.192 (0.240), 0
.234 (0.279), and 0.232 (0.277). The C and N termini as well as two di
sulfide bonds are clearly defined in these models. The glutamate side
chain of residue 89 is buried at pH 6.2 and becomes exposed at pH 7.1
and 8.2. This conformational change, involving the loop 85-90, provide
s a structural basis for a variety of pH-dependent chemical, physical,
and spectroscopic phenomena, collectively known as the Tanford transi
tion.