Waxes Definition

Waxes Definition - Waxes consist of long-chain alcohols bonded to long-chain fatty acids and are used for protective coverings in living things.

Through the process of dehydration synthesis, long-chain alcohols sometimes combine with long-chain fatty acids to form waxes. Waxes differ from triglycerides in that waxes contain alcohols with more than three carbons. Waxes are either solid or oily at room temperature, depending on whether they are saturated or unsaturated, and they serve to cover and protect portions of plants and animals. For example, as you walk through a park, run your finger lightly over the surface of one of the green leaves growing on the trees there. The slightly waxy feel of the surface is caused by a substance called cutin.

Solid and oily waxes also form protective coverings for insects, skin, fur, and feathers. The mink oil that people use to waterproof their boots is made from a natural wax. If you have ever seen a duck preening its feathers as it floats along in the water, you have actually seen it spreading an oily wax over the feathers in order to waterproof them. Without lipids, a duck would sink because of the weight of the water soaked up by its feathers.

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