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Abstract

Calcium binding sites having low affinity constants of less than 10(3) M-1 were titrated in native sarcomplasmic reticulum vesicles as well as in lipid deprived membranes and in the isolated calcium transport ATPase. Short time calcium binding measurements and the determination of the calcium binding heat allow to distinguish low affinity calcium binding sites located on the external surface of th sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes from those present in the section of the transport molecule directed to the vesicular space. The same number of internal binding sites was found for preparations deprived of their lipid content as well as of preparations depleted of their lipids and of their accessorial proteins. Magnesium interferes with calcium binding to the external as well as to the internal low affinity calcium binding sites. The implications of the existence of the low affinity calcium binding sites in the internal section of the calcium transport ATPase are discussed.