model

A hypothesized structure of gliadin.

Legend:
Alpha-helices in regions II and IV
(regions II and IV made up of a repetitive sequence of glutamine residues).
Disulphide bonds

= cys152
= cys182
= cys183
= cys195
= cys299
= cys307

Region I (hydrophobic region)
Region III
Region V

A molecule of gliadin in solution spontaneously combines with other molecules through hydrogen bonding to form a UNIT. Formation of the unit causes the exposure of hydrophobic groups making it insoluble in water. These exposed hydrophobic groups interact with other units to form large aggregates.