Scientists from the South Sea Oceanology Institute Holothuria leucospilota To protect against predators, sticky threads are released from the anus, similar to spider silk. The research was published in the journal PNAS.
Sea cucumbers, slow-moving inhabitants of the seabed, seem like easy targets for predators. But at the slightest threat, they pull out a fine ball of thread from their anus.
Genetic analysis has shown that the membranes of the filaments are composed of long proteins similar to those found in spider webs or silkworm filaments. These proteins give the yarns high strength.
When inserted, the fibers stretch to about 20 times their original length by pumping water into them through the sea cucumber’s breathing tree. Upon contact with any surface, the threads instantly become sticky and entangle the predator, which sometimes leads to the death of the attacker. Sea cucumber discards threads after use and reproduces within 15 days.
The researchers also found amyloid-like structures in the filament membrane. Known for their role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease in humans, amyloid proteins are also used by other sea creatures as a strong adhesive.