Plant Fibres

Question 1

What are plant fibres?

Answer 1

A thread or filament from plants used to form textiles (schlerenchyma fibres and xylem vessels)

Question 2

Define sustainability

Answer 2

Using resources in a way which meets the needs of the current generation without compromising ability of future gens to meet their needs

Question 3

Name reasons to use plant fibres

Answer 3

~ cheap + easy to grow in large numbers
~ renewable (can be replanted) making them more sustainable
~ biodegradable —> products can be broken down by microbes to minimise environmental pollution
~ lower use of crude oils as fibres can be used to make plastics
~ have many different properties —> strong, flexible, resistant to decay, waterproof, cheaply extracted

Question 4

Give examples of plant fibre use

Answer 4

Rope and fabrics such as cotton or hemp

Question 5

Why are plant fibres strong?

Answer 5

The arrangement of microfibrils in a mesh-like pattern
Secondary thickening, which results in a thick secondary cell wall developing which often contains lignin

Question 6

What can starch be used to make?

Answer 6

Biofuels —> Bio plastics and bioethanol (fuel)