key term - Waxes

Definition

Waxes are long-chain fatty acids esterified to long-chain alcohols. They are hydrophobic and serve as protective coatings in various biological contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Waxes are a type of lipid characterized by their hydrophobic properties, making them water-resistant.
2. In microbiology, waxes play a crucial role in the cell walls of certain bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
3. The presence of waxes contributes to the pathogenicity of some bacteria by providing a barrier against antibiotics and host immune responses.
4. Waxes can be found in the cuticles of plants and insects, serving as a protective layer against environmental stressors like dehydration and pathogens.
5. Biochemically, waxes are formed through an esterification reaction between fatty acids and long-chain alcohols.

Review Questions

Related terms

Lipid: A broad category of organic compounds that includes fats, oils, waxes, and other related molecules.

Mycolic Acid: A type of long-chain fatty acid found in the cell walls of Mycobacterium species, contributing to their resistance to chemicals.

Esterification:

A chemical reaction where an acid reacts with an alcohol, resulting in the formation of an ester and water.