Page 37 - Biomimetics: Technology Imitates Nature

Harun Yahya

Silk produc-
Threads
tion region
Silk glands
Spigots
zine Science News: “On the human scale, a web resembling a fishing net could

catch a passenger plane.” 33
On the underside of the tip of the spider's abdomen are three pairs of
spinnerets. Each of these spinnerets is studded with many hairlike tubes

called spigots. The spigots lead to silk glands inside the abdomen, each of
which produces a different type of silk. As a result of the harmony be-
tween them, a variety of silk threads are produced. Inside the spider’s
body, pumps, valves and pressure systems with exceptionally developed
properties are employed during the production of the raw silk, which is
then drawn out through the spigots. 34
Most importantly, the spider can alter the pressure in the spigots at
will, which also changes the structure of molecules making up the liquid
keratin. The valves’ control mechanism, the diameter, resistance and elas-
ticity of the thread can all be altered, thus making the thread assume de-
sired characteristics without altering its chemical structure. If deeper
changes in the silk are desired, then another gland must be brought into
operation. And finally, thanks to the perfect use of its back legs, the spider
can put the thread on the desired track.

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