Internal Structure of Casein Micelles from Bovine Milk

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Abstract
The internal structure of casein micelles from bovine milk was reinvestigated. Observations from electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and enzymatic digestion of the micelles followed by centrifugation suggested that electron-dense particles in the micelles are probably granules of colloidal Ca3(PO4)2 and not protein aggregates. These granules are embedded in a surrounding matrix of caseins to form the micelle. The foci of formation of the Ca3(PO4)2 granules may be either the ester phosphate groups or the -amino groups of lysine.