The Wonders of Spider Silk

Front

What is spider silk?

Back

Spider silk is a strong, flexible material produced by spiders, made of proteins. It is used for various purposes, including building webs and trapping prey.

Front

What are the main uses of spider silk?

Back

Spider silk is used for building webs, trapping bugs, and creating draglines for safety. It is not used for making nests for birds.

Front

Why do different spiders produce different kinds of silk?

Back

Different spiders produce different kinds of silk because they make different types of protein molecules.

Front

What trait can vary in spider silk?

Back

The color of the silk can vary among different types of spider silk.

Front

What is the primary function of specialized cells in a spider's body?

Back

The primary function of specialized cells in a spider's body is to produce long protein molecules that form spider silk.

Front

What determines the different traits of spider silk?

Back

The different traits of spider silk are determined by the type of protein molecules produced by the spider.

Front

How do spiders use silk to catch prey?

Back

Spiders use silk to create webs that trap insects, allowing them to catch their prey easily.

Front

What is the tensile strength of spider silk?

Back

Spider silk has a high tensile strength, meaning it can withstand a lot of tension without breaking.

Front

Can spider silk be used in medicine?

Back

Yes, spider silk is being researched for use in medicine, such as in sutures and tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility.

Front

What is dragline silk?

Back

Dragline silk is a type of silk that spiders use to create safety lines, allowing them to escape from predators or fall safely.