The optical density of suspensions of the digestive enzyme-containing zymogen granule, a roughly spherical 1 micron diameter membrane-enclosed subcellular structure isolated from the exocrine pancreas of mammals, is reduced greatly when they are suspended in physiological media. This reduction in optical density is accompanied by the release of the granule's protein contents. It has traditionally been assumed that this property is due to granule lysis; that is, dissolution of the particle and its consequent disappearance as a strongly scattering object. Thus, lysis would decrease optical density by decreasing the number density of suspended spheres (N) according to Beer's law. However, as a general matter, changes in the optical density of suspensions of spheres may be a function of changes in the refractive index (m) or radius (r) of the objects as well. In this study, we apply Mie theory of scattering by small particles, which, in conjunction with Beer's law, allows us to evaluate whether changes in the scattering properties of granule suspensions are due to changes in N, m or r. Scattering by granule suspensions was reduced in three ways-pH, calcium ion concentration, and detergent concentration. A simple reduction in particle number did not account for decreased scattering and protein release in any of these circumstances. Instead, the changes appear attributable to decreases in particle size and refractive index.