# Silo Assets For each asset in a Silo, there are three ERC-20 tokens deployed via Tokens Factory: * shares token that will represent a collateral * shares token that will represent protected collateral (cannot be borrowed) * debt token that will be minted to represent a debt When the user deposits into a Silo they can decide where their deposit can be borrowed by other users to earn interest. Protected deposits are also called "collateral only" and other users cannot borrow them.\ \ Silo uses the mint and burn functions to operate these underlying tokens. Meanwhile, the transfer is still available and can be used by any third-party application (MetaMask, DEX, etc...). Underlying tokens support hooks and can notify about the basic tokens operations (mint, burn, transfer) third party smart contract if those will be configured in the Silo Repository as a notification receiver for the Silo where operation occurs.\ \ For better understanding, see basic Silo operations with assets state visualization ![Underlying Silo assets state visualization](https://4274077133-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FXkTAUVVLYPoxSHOs8SSD%2Fuploads%2F2RUqmRdXeqVj3DSdKviu%2FProject-overview-Basic%20operations.jpg?alt=media\&token=ba5820dc-320f-41e7-a4ce-243246b4fe86) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://devdocs.silo.finance/protocol-architecture/silo-assets.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.