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Spider silk expert Dr. Randy Lewis discusses the different types of spider silk, how spiders use them to build their webs, and the potential uses of spider silk in composite materials and adhesives. He also talks about genetically modifying bacteria, goats, and silk worms to produce spider silk, as well as the strength and applications of spider silk, including its role in Spider-Man's web-slinging.
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Quick takeaways
- Spider silk is composed of spidroins, proteins that are as strong as steel but more flexible, and different spiders produce different types of silk with varying mechanical properties.
- Spider silk has various potential applications, including its use as a fiber in textiles, reinforcement in composite materials, and as an adhesive coating on surfaces, and researchers have made progress in synthetic production of spider silk through genetic engineering.
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Understanding Spider Silk
Spider silk is composed of spidroins, which are proteins that are as strong as steel but more flexible. It is similar to collagen or keratin. The production of spider silk involves the spiders pulling the silk out of their glands, causing the protein molecules to line up and become insoluble, forming the fiber. Different spiders produce different types of silk with varying mechanical properties.
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