Question

Which one of the following is the best silk?
A. Eri silk
B. Mulberry silk
C. Tussar silk
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Silk is natural protein fibre and some forms of silk can be woven into textiles. Silk is the strongest natural textile in the world and it was invented by China in 3000 B.C. Silk is made up of two main proteins Sericin and Fibroin. The method of growing silkworms for silk production is called sericulture.

Complete answer:
Silk contains fibroin which is a protein that is secreted by certain insect larva to make cocoons. Fibroin gives strength and makes silk fibers strong and hard to break. Another protein sericin presents around the fibroin and provides protection to it.

Eri silk- It is obtained from the caterpillar of Philosamia ricini that mostly feeds on leaves of the castor plants and mainly found in the northeast region of India, in some parts of China and Japan. Eri silk fibre is not reeled. The cocoon is open-ended and the moth emerges or the worm extracted.
Tussar silk- also called ‘Kosa silk’ which is obtained from several species of larvae of silkworm belongs to moth genus Antheraea. Its fibres are less durable than mulberry silk.
Mulberry silk- It is also known as ‘Natural silk’. It is the softer, shiny, luxurious fabric. It is obtained from Bombyx mori moth larvae that consume only Mulberry tree leaves and its cocoons are spun into raw silk fibres. Bombyx mori reared via a sericulture method. Due to its highest qualities and low price it is the best silk.

The correct answer is option B – Mulberry silk.

Note:
The best silk is obtained from cocoons of the larvae of mulberry silkworm i.e. Bombyx mori. Silk fibres have a triangular prism-like structure which gives shimmering optical effect in certain lighting conditions. These prisms' structure of fibres reflect light at different angles, which produces rainbow hue and it makes silk so famous.