Posted on 08/11/2005 11:25:17 AM PDT by areeves79
Scientists have uncovered the genetic sequence for one of the strongest silks that spiders produce, a discovery that could one day be used to make super spider-silk products for humans.
Not all spider silk are created equal. For example, spiders use dragline silk to create the scaffolding for their webs, but another type of silk, known as capture silk, is used to fill out the web. While dragline silk is strong, capture silk is more elastic and also sticky, making it better suited for trapping insects that stray too close.
In total, spiders produce approximately seven different types of silk, which they make using special silk glands. The silk threads are spooled out of the external parts of the glands, known as spinnerets. Spiders often have numerous pairs of spinnerets, which they use to produce different types of silk.
In addition to catching and storing food, spiders also use silk for movement and for reproduction.
One of the strongest and most durable types of spider silk is produced only by sexually mature females and is used to construct protective cocoons for their eggs.
The protein of the egg-case fibers has a different function altogether from that of the other silks, said Jessica Garb, a postdoctoral researcher and a co-author on the study.
Egg-case silk has to last a long time and therefore must be durable under a wide variety of conditions, from freezing to very high temperatures. It needs to be strong enough to protect the eggs from threats such as predators, parasites and molds, Garb said.
These properties could also make it ideally suited for human purposes.
Collectively, spider silks are some of the toughest natural fibers known, said Cheryl Hayashi, an assistant biology professor at the University of California, Riverside. Imagine a fabric made from such a substance? It would be incredibly strong, flexible and ultimately, biodegradable.
In addition to body armor, researchers are also working to develop spider-silk rope and spider-silk micro-sutures for use in surgery.
Using molecular biology lab techniques, Hayashi and Garb uncovered the sequence of molecules called amino acids for a major protein component in egg case silk known as Tusp1. Their finding is important because mechanical properties like the strength, elasticity and durability of a silk is determined by its amino acid sequence, and scientists have been successful in discovering only a handful of such sequences.
The researchers findings are detailed in the August 1 issue of the journal for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Why would SPIDER-man need a BAT-cave? :o)
To impress Catwoman. Duh!
I have both of those on DVD. And I hate spiders. Go figure. :o)
Might as well STRETCH this web out with PLASTIC-MAN, My favorite.
In the comic books, Spidey (Peter Parker, really) originally fashioned mechanical spinnerets that were worn on his wrists which required periodic replenishing with cannisters of liquid silk. (See: Spiderman)
But, you're right. To be biologically correct, he should be shooting webs from his butt.
I would not cross her path....No matter how good looking she would be....its just not worth it.
Well, who's to say Peter can't do that, but he just decided it would kinda play hell with his costume. :o)
But oh, what a way to go. ;o)
I read an article a while back where they were trying to get spiders to produce silk, and they ran into a problem. Spiders can't be farmed like silkworms. The article said that if you put 1,000 silkworms in a room with plenty of food, and come back 24 hours later, they will all be happily making silk. Put 1,000 spiders in a room with plenty of food, come back 24 hours later, and what you have left is one very mean spider. They don't play well with others, apparently.
Good article, but probably not for the whole list. I'll ping a few specialists.
Right on. Time to get started on that Jack in the Beanstalk pole that we can use to climb into outer space.
I am acrophobic (fear of heights) but love roller coasters and flying in small planes. No fear no thrill.
I don't have the premium movie channels (never watched, didn't need to pay for 'em), but I bet they don't air the unrated version like my DVD. ;o)
That is one goofy looking posture. Must be one hell of a strain on his wrist (not to mention that end bit of the silk).
Could revolutionized everything from body armor to the space elevator. If it accepts dyes, the clothing industry will see super light weight garments.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.