Understanding Cotton Fiber and Its Applications

The video explores the historical use of cotton by the Inca for armor, highlighting its unique properties of strength and flexibility. It delves into the biological growth process of cotton fibers, emphasizing the importance of cellulose in cell wall development. The video also discusses the ideal conditions for cotton growth and the significance of fiber length and density in determining fabric quality. Finally, it covers the final stages of cotton fiber development and its various applications, from textiles to currency, while noting ongoing research to enhance cotton's properties.

What material did the Inca use to create armor that was both flexible and protective?

• Cotton

• Leather

• Iron

• Steel

Where do cotton fibers originate from?

• The surface of a seed

• The roots

• The leaves

• The stem of the plant

What is the primary component that strengthens the cotton fiber's cell wall?

• Cellulose

• Protein

• Lignin

• Starch

What happens if the cotton fiber remodels its walls too early?

• The fiber becomes too short and weak

• The fiber becomes too long

• The fiber becomes too soft

• The fiber becomes too thick

What percentage of the U.S. dollar bill is made from cotton?

• 50%

• 60%

• 90%

• 75%

What determines the strength of the final cotton fiber?

• The density of the secondary cell wall

• The thickness of the primary cell wall

• The color of the fiber

• The length of the fiber

What is the main factor influencing the softness of cotton?

• The density of the secondary cell wall

• The length of the fiber

• The color of the fiber

• The thickness of the fiber

What remains after the living matter within the cotton cell dies off?

• Starch

• Cellulose

• Water

• Protein

What is the primary use of the thread-like fibers from cotton?

• Creating yarn for fabric

• Producing plastic

• Making paper

• Building construction materials

What are researchers investigating to improve cotton's properties?

• Alternative uses for cotton

• Optimizing growth conditions

• New dyeing techniques

• Genetic modifications