  Using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation, the polymer mass (Mw),
gyration radius (Rw) and the polydispersity index (PI) of glutenin polymers
(GPs) have been previously studied. Here, using the same multi-location trials
(4 years, 11 locations and 192 cultivars), the factors associated with the
conformation (Conf) of the polymers were reported. Conf, which is the slope of
Log (Rw) = f [Log (Mw)], varied between 0.285 and 0.740. Conf had low
broad-sense heritability (H 2 = 16.8) and was significantly influenced by
temperature occurring over the last month of grain filling. Higher temperatures
were found to increase Rw and the compactness and sphericity of GPs. The HMW-GS
and LMW-GS alleles had a significant influence on the Conf value. Assuming a
Gaussian distribution for Mw, the number of polymers present in wheat grain was
computed for different kernel weights and protein concentrations: it exceeded
10 12 GPs per grain. Using atomic force microscopy and cryo-microscopy, photos
of GPs were revealed for the first time. Under high temperatures, GPs became
larger, less reticulated, more spherical and consequently less prone to rapid
hydrolysis. Some orientations aimed at reducing the possible impact of the
numerous GPs for people suffering from non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)
were proposed.
