Which is the following strongest Natural Fiber?

Appeared in: SGPGI Nursing Officer-2024

Explanation

Silk is a protein-based fiber produced by the silkworm.
Its molecular structure consists of long, crystalline chains of amino acids, primarily glycine and alanine, arranged in strong beta-pleated sheets.
This structure gives silk the highest tensile strength (resistance to being pulled apart) among all common natural fibers, making it stronger than cotton, wool, and jute.
A single filament of silk has a tensile strength comparable to a steel filament of the same diameter.

Option B: Cotton is a cellulose-based fiber. While it is a strong and durable fiber, especially when wet, its tensile strength is significantly lower than that of silk.
Option C: Wool is a protein fiber (keratin) known for its excellent elasticity, insulation, and resilience. However, it has the lowest tensile strength among the options.
Option D: Jute is a coarse lignocellulosic fiber. It is used for making heavy-duty items like burlap sacks and ropes due to its bulk strength and low cost, but its individual fibers are brittle and have lower tensile strength than silk.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Physical properties of natural fibers, specifically tensile strength as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Silk's high tensile strength is utilized in medicine, particularly for surgical sutures.
As a non-absorbable suture material, silk provides durable and reliable tissue approximation, which is critical for wound healing in areas under tension.
What if? If a surgeon needed a suture for a fast-healing internal tissue like the bladder, an absorbable suture (like Vicryl or Monocryl) would be chosen over silk, as permanent strength is not required and a foreign body should not be left indefinitely.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question.
Identify the keyword in the question: "strongest". This refers to the physical property of tensile strength.
Recall the general properties of the four natural fibers listed in the options.
Compare their relative strengths: Silk is famously strong for its weight, often compared to steel. Cotton is moderately strong. Wool is elastic but weak. Jute is coarse and strong in bulk but brittle.
Based on this comparison, conclude that silk has the highest tensile strength among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Physical properties of natural fibers, specifically tensile strength.
Stem keywords: strongest, Natural Fiber
Lead-in keywords: Which

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E6 Gynecology Williams p. 430-440

Practise the full SGPGI Nursing Officer-2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.