Spider Silk and Its Applications

The video explores the unique properties of spider silk, highlighting its strength and elasticity. It discusses scientific breakthroughs in DNA sequencing that enable the production of spider silk fibers, overcoming challenges like spiders' cannibalistic nature. The video also covers the commercialization efforts by companies like AMSilk, which are producing synthetic spider silk for various industries, including fashion and aviation. Despite challenges in scaling production, the potential applications of spider silk in medical devices and other fields are vast, promising a future where protein-based materials play a significant role.

What makes spider silk unique compared to other materials?

• It combines both strength and elasticity.

• It is weaker than steel.

• It is only elastic.

• It is only strong.

Why can't spider silk be farmed directly from spiders?

• Spiders are endangered.

• Spiders are too small.

• Spiders eat each other.

• Spiders produce too little silk.

What breakthrough in Germany helped in manufacturing spider silk?

• New farming methods.

• DNA sequencing.

• Improved spider habitats.

• Advanced weaving techniques.

What organisms are genetically modified to produce spider silk proteins?

• Plants

• Fungi

• Bacteria

• Insects

What form does the spider silk protein take after purification?

• Solid block

• White powder

• Gel

• Liquid

Which company used spider silk to create a concept shoe?

• Reebok

• Puma

• Adidas

• Nike

What is one of the biggest challenges in producing spider silk material?

• Marketing the product

• Finding enough spiders

• Scaling up production

• Getting government approval

How many kilometers of fiber are used in a normal sports shoe?

• 100 kilometers

• 170 kilometers

• 50 kilometers

• 200 kilometers

What is one potential medical use of spider silk?

• As a painkiller

• As a surgical tool

• As a diagnostic device

• As a bandage

How many different variants of silk molecules are there to play with?

• 80

• 10

• 100

• 50