Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

08:13
Differential Scanning Calorimetry — A Method for Assessing the Thermal Stability and Conformation of Protein Antigen
Published on: March 4, 2017
THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE UPON SOME OF THE PROPERTIES OF CASEIN
1Department of Physical Chemistry, Laboratories of Physiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Casein
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Casein properties as an acid have been investigated.
- Previous solubility measurements of casein in bases were analyzed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the solubility of casein in water and bases at various temperatures.
- To determine the effect of temperature on casein's acid properties and combining weight.
Main Methods:
- Solubility measurements of uncombined casein in water at 5°C.
- Recalculation of existing solubility data for casein in bases.
- Analysis of casein solubility in bases across different temperatures.
Main Results:
- Uncombined casein solubility in water is 0.70±0.1 mg N/100 gm at 5°C.
- Casein solubility in base shows discontinuous temperature dependence.
- Two temperature ranges (21-37°C and 60-85°C) exhibit temperature-independent solubility.
- Equivalent combining weight of casein increases from 2100 to 3700 gm between 37-60°C.
Conclusions:
- Temperature influences casein solubility in a non-linear fashion.
- Stoichiometric relationships govern the effect of temperature on casein's base-binding capacity.
Related Concept Videos
Effect of Temperature Change on Reaction Rate
The Arrhenius equation,
Effects of Temperature on Free Energy
The spontaneity of a process depends upon the temperature of the system. Phase transitions, for example, will proceed spontaneously in one direction or the other depending upon the temperature of the substance in question. Likewise, some chemical reactions can also exhibit temperature-dependent spontaneities. To illustrate this concept, the equation relating free energy change to the enthalpy and entropy changes for the process is considered:
Protein Denaturation
The function of proteins depends on their native three-dimensional structure, which is dictated by the amino acid sequence of the specific protein. Folding of the polypeptide chain takes place under specific conditions that energetically favor the folded conformation. In contrast, protein denaturation occurs spontaneously under unfavorable conditions that disrupt the integrity of the folded conformation. Thus, the chemical and physical environment of a protein, such as significant changes in pH...
Le Chatelier's Principle: Changing Temperature
Consistent with the law of mass action, an equilibrium stressed by a change in concentration will shift to re-establish equilibrium without any change in the value of the equilibrium constant, K. When an equilibrium shifts in response to a temperature change, however, it is re-established with a different relative composition that exhibits a different value for the equilibrium constant.
To understand this phenomenon, consider the elementary reaction:
To understand this phenomenon, consider the elementary reaction:
Microbes in Food Production
Microbial fermentation is central to food biotechnology, enhancing flavor, texture, preservation, and stability. Fermentative microorganisms metabolize carbohydrates into organic acids, alcohols, and other metabolites that inhibit spoilage organisms and improve digestibility while contributing distinctive sensory qualities.In baking, amylases naturally present in flour hydrolyze starch into monosaccharides such as glucose, which Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferments anaerobically. Through...
Temperature Dependence on Reaction Rate
The Collision Theory
Atoms, molecules, or ions must collide before they can react with each other. Atoms must be close together to form chemical bonds. This premise is the basis for a theory that explains many observations regarding chemical kinetics, including factors affecting reaction rates.
The collision theory is based on the postulates that (i) the reaction rate is proportional to the rate of reactant collisions, (ii) the reacting species collide in an orientation allowing contact between...
Atoms, molecules, or ions must collide before they can react with each other. Atoms must be close together to form chemical bonds. This premise is the basis for a theory that explains many observations regarding chemical kinetics, including factors affecting reaction rates.
The collision theory is based on the postulates that (i) the reaction rate is proportional to the rate of reactant collisions, (ii) the reacting species collide in an orientation allowing contact between...

