What You Need to Know
During autolyse, water penetrates glutenin and gliadin, allowing them to unfold and interact. Endogenous flour proteases cleave high‑molecular‑weight glutenin chains, producing smaller fragments that increase dough extensibility while preserving overall strength. The resulting protein network improves oven spring and crumb structure.
The Science
Primary Reaction
Hydration and proteolytic cleavage of glutenin and gliadin leading to gluten network formation