Facts about Spider Silk Properties
- 05
Pound for pound, spider silk can absorb more energy before breaking than nearly any other natural or synthetic fiber, a property called toughness.
- 04
The proteins that make up spider silk, called spidroins, are characterized by highly repetitive amino acid sequences that contribute to the fiber's unique combination of strength and elasticity.
- 03
At least seven distinct types of silk-producing glands exist in spiders, each producing silk with different mechanical properties suited to specific tasks.
- 02
Spider silk is produced as a liquid protein in specialized abdominal glands and solidifies into fiber as it is drawn through the spinnerets.
- 01
Dragline spider silk is stronger by weight than high-grade steel and can stretch significantly before breaking, making it one of the toughest natural materials known.