Question

What is the process of taking out silk threads from the cocoon known as?
A) Rearing
B) Sorting
C) Scouring
D) Reeling

Answer 1

Hint: Silk is a proteinaceous animal fibre. It is one of the higher grade fabric known for its softness, smoothness, lustre, beauty and luxurious look. It gives comfort in all weather and it is the best natural fabric in the world. The silk threads are taken out from the cooking by the process of cooling.

Complete answer: Sericulture: it is the art of rearing silkworm for the production of cocoons which is the raw material for the production of silk.
Silkmoth life cycle:
1) Female moths lay eggs at mulberry leaves and inside these eggs, larvae develop, which after hatching become caterpillars or silkworm. They grow in size by feeding on mulberry leaves continuously.
2) Resting stage: in this stage, these caterpillars make cover around themselves by secreting slimy thread-like structures from their mouth. As a result, a thick coat of thread gets formed around their body. This coat is called a cocoon. It is this structure that will give the silk thread after processing. Once the cocoon is formed, the organism reaches the pupa stage. In this stage, the organism is sessile (do not move) and start developing organs.
3) Adult stage: After it develops completely, the next stage, that is the adult stage is reached. The mature moth is now ready to break the cocoon and fly away. The thread in the cocoon is very strong. The processing of these threads gives silk fibres.
Cocoon of the silkworm is collected and boiled to kill the insect inside. After boiling, the thread is found at the end of the cocoon. Next step involves reeling, i.e, taking out of the silk thread from the cocoon. It is done by cooling them first in water to remove the gum and then unwinding the filaments. Usually, 8-10 cocoons are reeled together.
Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Note: China is the leading producer of the silk in the world followed by India. Silk can be categorised into four major groups, namely; Mulberry, Tasar, Mooga and Eri.