Question

How is silk obtained from silkworm? Explain.

Answer 1

The process of silk is called sericulture. Silk is a natural fiber obtained from the larvae of the silkworm. Silk is mainly made up of fibroin. Silk has four major types based on its varieties. They are Mulberry silk, Tasar silk, Mugar silk, and Eri silk.

Complete step by step answer:
Mulberry silk can be called mulberry silkworm since its caterpillar feeds on mulberry leaves. Generally, after sexual contact with the silkworm, each female silkworm produces 300-400 eggs on the leaves of the mulberry tree.
Within 10 days, each egg produces a small female insect called a larvae (or) caterpillar. Then. Approximately 30-40 days, its growth will take place forming long, sloppy, and magnified larvae. After that, the long larvae continuously spins its head around it and it forms the solution of a single long thread called a cocoon. Cocoon acts as a protective layer for larvae which protects the larvae from harsh weather conditions. Inside the cocoon, these larvae are converted to pupa. In the pupa stage, the pupa changed as an adult structure, and the caterpillar finally transformed into a moth. This is the normal transition of the larva to the moth.
The silk can be prepared by keeping the pupa eggs in sunlight/boiling before it changes to moth. After that, the silk will be produced.

Note: Silk is usually wrinkled and tear-resistant. Silk has antibacterial properties. So, it is mainly used for wounds and burns. Silk is a strong absorbent fiber. So, it is easily faded by sunlight. The most common silk in India is Mulberry silk. Mulberry silk is soft, lustrous, and elastic.