What are waxes primarily composed of?

Waxes are primarily composed of fatty acids and long-chain alcohols. This composition results in their unique structure, which grants them specific properties such as water resistance and solid form at room temperature. The long-chain alcohols enhance the hydrophobic characteristics of the wax, making it effective for protective coatings in various natural products, such as leaves, feathers, and skin.

The distinction between waxes and other lipid types, such as triglycerides, is crucial. While triglycerides comprise glycerol and three fatty acids, they do not include the long-chain alcohol component found in waxes. This structural difference contributes to the functional diversity among lipid classes, including the protective and water-repellent roles that waxes play in nature.