Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Coral Reef Arks: An In Situ Mesocosm and Toolkit for Assembling Reef Communities
Published on: January 6, 2023
HOLDING ON BY THEIR HOOKS: ANCHORS FOR WORMS
Sarah Ann Woodin1, Rachel Ann Merz2
1Department of Biology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208.
Abstract:
We examined the hooked setae of a dominant group of tube-dwellers, the polychaete annelids, and found a pattern of setation that is predictable by tube type, exclusive of worm taxon or orientation; we also demonstrated the mechanical significance of these hooked setae. When tube-dwelling worms belonging to different lineages are pressurized, they resist differentially as a function of the direction in which hooks face. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that hooks are used primarily to resist removal of worms from their tubes, are polyphyletic in origin, and are active agents of resistance.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Anchoring Junctions
Lipids as Anchors
The carboxy-terminal of most of the prenylated proteins, such as Ras proteins, contains...
GPI Anchoring of Proteins in the ER Membrane
GPI-anchor structure
A sequence of 11 enzymatic reactions results in the synthesis of the complete GPI anchor consisting of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic portion. The hydrophobic portion comprises phosphatidylinositol, while the hydrophilic part comprises polar groups like phosphoethanolamine,...
Tail-anchoring of Proteins in the ER Membrane
Wood Fasteners
Nails are the most common fasteners, consisting of sharp-pointed metal pins that are driven into wood using a hammer or a mechanical nail gun. They come in a variety of diameters, heads, and lengths. Nailing techniques include...
Posttensioned Masonry Walls
Post-tensioned masonry walls use high-strength steel rods or flexible tendons to enhance the strength and efficiency of masonry structures. These elements are securely anchored to the foundation and extend vertically either within the cores of the masonry units or between the masonry wythes. The construction process involves building the wall with these tensioning elements in place and allowing the mortar to fully cure.
Following the curing process, the tensioning begins. Steel rods are...

