Dissertation
Secretory Gland Transcriptomics and Thread Proteomics for the Genus Nephila, Trichonephila and Pinctada
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00035
Abstract
An impressive skill for some invertebrates is their ability to make useful proteinaceous materials utilising “green” production mechanisms, with characteristics quite unlike synthetic fibres made by man. Of these, spiders and bivalve molluscs produce the most extensively studied examples of strong fibres with interesting adhesive characteristics. Orb-weaving spiders can produce many types of silks and silk glues from up to seven glands housed within their abdomen. These silks range in mechanical functionality, some are made tacky and highly extensible for prey capture, while others are stiff and strong for egg protection or web architecture. There are bivalve molluscs, on the other hand, that create one type of thread, called the byssal thread. Radiating out from a central point located at the stem region at the heel of the bivalve foot, byssal threads form the byssus, a multi-thread anchor to ensure survival amid the dynamic marine environment. Unlike the orb spider which uses individual glands to produce multiple fibre types, the bivalves use an array of glands located along the foot to induce localised variation of function in the one fibre type. The arrangement of proteins in the native fibres of these species and how that arrangement contributes to mechanical function is yet to be completely elucidated, and not all contributing proteins are currently known. This thesis characterises the molecular components of spider silk from two species, and the byssus of the largest pearl oyster, to aid future endeavours in the mimicry of these useful proteinaceous materials.
Details
- Title
- Secretory Gland Transcriptomics and Thread Proteomics for the Genus Nephila, Trichonephila and Pinctada
- Authors
- Ali Whaite
- Contributors
- Scott Cummins (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00035
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; GeneCology Research Centre - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99509908702621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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