The article discusses the unique properties and potential of silk, a protein fiber produced by spiders and silkworms, which combines high strength and extensibility. These properties are not achievable with synthetic materials and are attributed to the simple processing of water-based proteins. The authors highlight the challenges in understanding the processing steps that allow silk proteins to achieve metastable states in the glands of spinning organisms, which prevent premature crystallization and ensure the formation of soluble spinning dope. They also explore the relationship between silk protein processing and fiber properties, noting that mechanical properties can be modulated by factors such as temperature, reeling rate, and drawing rate. The article emphasizes the importance of chain alignment and internal drawdown in the final steps of fiber formation. Additionally, it discusses the modular design of silk proteins, their evolutionary optimization, and the role of N and C termini in processing and assembly. The authors suggest that transgenic plants could be used to produce silk proteins efficiently, and they outline future directions for developing new materials inspired by silk, including medical applications and high-tech products.The article discusses the unique properties and potential of silk, a protein fiber produced by spiders and silkworms, which combines high strength and extensibility. These properties are not achievable with synthetic materials and are attributed to the simple processing of water-based proteins. The authors highlight the challenges in understanding the processing steps that allow silk proteins to achieve metastable states in the glands of spinning organisms, which prevent premature crystallization and ensure the formation of soluble spinning dope. They also explore the relationship between silk protein processing and fiber properties, noting that mechanical properties can be modulated by factors such as temperature, reeling rate, and drawing rate. The article emphasizes the importance of chain alignment and internal drawdown in the final steps of fiber formation. Additionally, it discusses the modular design of silk proteins, their evolutionary optimization, and the role of N and C termini in processing and assembly. The authors suggest that transgenic plants could be used to produce silk proteins efficiently, and they outline future directions for developing new materials inspired by silk, including medical applications and high-tech products.