Why is it important for all parts of a knot to be operational?

The importance of ensuring that all parts of a knot are operational primarily revolves around the effectiveness and safety of the knot itself. A knot is designed to hold objects together securely, and any malfunction in any part of the knot can lead to failure. If a section of the knot is compromised or not functioning as intended, it could result in slippage or complete failure under load, which poses significant safety risks in various applications, whether in climbing, sailing, or medical settings like suturing.

Operational integrity means all segments of the knot need to interact correctly to distribute stress evenly and maintain grip when tension is applied. Therefore, for a knot to perform its intended function reliably, every part must be working properly to ensure the overall strength and stability of the connection. This is fundamental to preventing accidents and ensuring safe operation in critical situations.