How has industrial biotechnology been used in the production of silk protein?
A. Spider genes were modified to increase the diameter of silk protein
B. Silk proteins were modified to make them stronger
C. Silk proteins were modified to make them easier to handle
D. Goat genes were modified to produce silk in goats milk
B. Silk proteins were modified to make them stronger
To determine the answer to this question, we can start by understanding what industrial biotechnology is and how it can be applied in the production of silk protein.
Industrial biotechnology involves the use of biological systems, organisms, or components to develop or manufacture products for various industrial applications. In the case of silk protein production, industrial biotechnology techniques have been used to modify and optimize silk proteins.
One approach that has been used involves modifying spider genes to increase the diameter of silk protein. By introducing specific genetic modifications, scientists have been able to produce silk proteins with improved structural properties, such as increased strength and elasticity.
Another application of industrial biotechnology in silk protein production is the modification of silk proteins themselves. By genetically engineering silk protein production in organisms like bacteria or yeast, scientists have been able to produce silk proteins that are stronger, more durable, or have other desirable characteristics.
Similarly, silk proteins can be modified to make them easier to handle. For example, modification techniques can be used to improve solubility, reduce aggregation, or enhance purification methods, making the handling and processing of silk proteins more efficient and practical.
On the other hand, the option mentioned in answer choice D, modifying goat genes to produce silk in goat's milk, is not a method commonly used in the production of silk protein. While the modification of goat genes for various purposes is an active area of research, it is not a commonly employed technique specifically for silk protein production.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question "How has industrial biotechnology been used in the production of silk protein?" would be a combination of options A, B, and C. Spider genes have been modified to increase the diameter of silk protein, silk proteins themselves have been modified to make them stronger, and silk proteins have also been modified to make them easier to handle.