"Move Over, Spider-Man--Here's Spider-Goat!

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What is spider silk?

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Spider silk is a strong, flexible material produced by spiders, known for its unique properties that make it useful in various applications, including medicine and textiles.

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Why are scientists interested in producing spider silk using goats?

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Scientists are interested in producing spider silk using goats because goats can be genetically modified to produce spider silk proteins in their milk, making it easier and more efficient to harvest.

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What are some potential uses for spider silk?

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Potential uses for spider silk include making strong and lightweight materials for clothing, ropes, and medical sutures.

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What is the advantage of using goats over spiders for silk production?

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Goats are easier to raise and manage than spiders, and they can produce larger quantities of silk proteins.

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What did Jeffrey Turner discover about Nubian goats?

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Jeffrey Turner discovered that Nubian goats have body parts that are similar to those of spiders, which may aid in silk production.

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How do scientists insert spider silk genes into goats?

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Scientists use genetic engineering techniques to insert spider silk genes into the DNA of goats, allowing them to produce silk proteins.

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What is the significance of paragraph 12 in the article?

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Paragraph 12 explains how the goats are kept busy, highlighting their care and management in the silk production process.

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What qualities make spider silk desirable for products?

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Spider silk is lightweight, incredibly strong, and has elasticity, making it ideal for various applications.

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What is the role of goat milk in silk production?

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Goat milk can be processed to extract spider silk proteins, which can then be spun into silk threads.

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Why is it challenging to harvest silk from spiders?

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It is challenging to harvest silk from spiders because they produce small amounts of silk and are territorial, making them difficult to farm.