The intrinsic viscosity of C hordein was determined in 70% (vv) aqueous ethanol (+/- 10 mM NaCl) and 0.1 M acetic acid at temperatures between 15.3 and 50 o C. Calculations based on the assumption (supported by previously published results) that C hordein has an ordered conformation indicated that the molecule is rod shaped, with molecular dimensions varying from about 360 x 17 Å to 265 x 20 Å. Circular dichroism spectroscopy indicated a secondary structure rich in β-turns, with some conformational differences in the two solvents and at different temperatures. The results are compatible with C hordein having a helical secondary structure based on repetitive β-turns.