By using the X-ray powder data obtained from Bombyx mori silk fibroin in silk I modification, we have estimated the strains by using profiles of several (hkl ) reflections observed in the fibroin. For this purpose, we have used line profile simulation and matching with the experimental, on the basis of a paracrystalline one-dimensional Hosemann's model proposed earlier. The shape of the crystallite and size along different directions in the fibroin have also been estimated and presented here. From these results, the strain tensor has been computed by using the approach given by Wilke and Martis. The effect of these strains on the molecular arrangement within the crystal structure and the nature of changes in the chain within the unit cell which participates in inducing the intrinsic strain during the formation of the fiber (silkII) are reported here. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3045-3053, 2004