Cheryl Hayashi: The magnificence of spider silk

The video explores the global presence and diversity of spiders, highlighting their ability to produce silk, which is crucial for their survival and reproduction. It delves into the various types of silk produced by spiders, the genetic basis of silk production, and the mechanical properties of silk fibers. The video also compares silk properties across different spider species and discusses potential applications of spider silk in fields like biomedicine and materials science.

How many species of spiders are there compared to primates?

• 40 species of spiders and 400 species of primates

• 4,000 species of spiders and 4,000 species of primates

• 40,000 species of spiders and 400 species of primates

• 400 species of spiders and 40,000 species of primates

What is one of the primary uses of silk for spiders?

• Camouflage

• Building nests

• Catching prey

• Attracting mates

What is the 'business end' of a spider referred to by silk biologists?

• The spinnerets

• The fangs

• The abdomen

• The legs

What are the main components of spider silk?

• Proteins

• Nucleic acids

• Lipids

• Carbohydrates

Which amino acids are spider silk proteins rich in?

• Valine and Leucine

• Glycine and Alanine

• Serine and Threonine

• Lysine and Arginine

Which type of silk is known for its extensibility, allowing it to stretch over twice its original length?

• Dragline silk

• Flagelliform silk

• Tubuliform silk

• Pyriform silk

What is the primary reason for the interest in spider silk for biomedical applications?

• Its strength and non-immunogenic properties

• Its elasticity

• Its ability to conduct electricity

• Its color

What is the toughest dragline silk found in the survey mentioned?

• Argiope

• Scytodes

• Araneus diadematus

• Nephila clavipes

What is a potential application of spider silk in the field of defense?

• Building stronger bridges

• Creating lightweight and flexible armor

• Developing new types of explosives

• Designing stealth aircraft

What is the speaker's personal reason for studying spider silk?

• To become famous

• To understand an ancient secret

• To create new materials

• To discover new species