Silk:The Queen of Fibres

Silk is a natural protein fibre. The actual fibre protein, called fibroin is composed of fifteen amino acids hooked together in long molecular chain. Sericin, the gum that holds the filaments together, is also a protein substance. Silk is often called ‘queen of fibres’. Silk is produced by the larvae of several moths. These larvae live on mulberry leaves and each tiny larva consumes an extremely large number of leaves. Raising of these insects is a laborious job. The larva attaches itself to a specially constructed straw frames, rears its head, and begins to spew the silk liquid, which hardens on contact with air. The larva spins by moving its head in a figure-eight motion and contrasts the cocoon from the outside in. As it spins, the larva decreases in size, and upon completion of cocoon it charges into dormant chrysalis. Except for those to be used for breeding, the cocoons are subjected to heat; which kills chrysalis. These cocoons can be stored until unreeled in preparation for yarn manufacturing.