[Study of conformational transformations in serum albumin by the method of scanning microcalorimetry]

Thermal denaturation of serum albumin in the alkali pH region is investigated by the scanning microcalorimetry method. It is shown that at pH 8.5 a macromolecule undergoes a conformational transformation as a result of which its thermal characteristics are changed qualitatively. The form which corresponds to lower pH values is denatured according to the smaller than all or none greater than model with an intensive sorption of heat. The form corresponding to higher pH values is denatured noncooperatively without heat absorption but with an essential increase of heat capacity.