Waxes
Waxes are a diverse class of organic compounds that are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. They are made up of long-chain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols. Waxes serve a variety of functions in both living organisms and in industrial applications.
Biological Functions of Waxes
In living organisms, waxes play several important roles:
- Waterproofing: Waxes are found on the surfaces of many plants and animals, where they serve as a waterproof coating. This helps to prevent water loss and protect against environmental damage.
- Protection: In plants, waxes help to protect leaves from herbivores and pathogens. In animals, waxes found in ear canal and on the surface of feathers provide protection from foreign particles and water.
- Energy storage: Some organisms use waxes as a form of energy storage. For example, beeswax is a major component of honeycomb and serves as a storage depot for honey.
Industrial Applications of Waxes
Waxes also have numerous industrial applications:
- Cosmetics: Waxes are used in the production of various cosmetics and personal care products, such as lip balm, lotions, and hair styling products.
- Polishes: Waxes are key ingredients in the production of polishes for wood, leather, and floors, providing a protective and glossy finish.
- Food: Waxes are used to coat fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life and improve appearance. They are also used in the production of chewing gum and as a glazing agent for confectionery.
Study Guide
When studying waxes, it's important to focus on the following key points:
- The chemical structure of waxes, including their composition of long-chain fatty acids and alcohols.
- The biological functions of waxes in living organisms, such as waterproofing, protection, and energy storage.
- The industrial applications of waxes, including their use in cosmetics, polishes, and food products.
Understanding these concepts will provide a comprehensive understanding of the significance of waxes in both biological and industrial contexts.
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Seventh Grade. Elements and the periodic table
Study Guide
Elements and the periodic table 
Activity Lesson
Elements & the Periodic Table Worksheet/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Worksheet/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Worksheet/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Worksheet/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Vocabulary/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table Vocabulary/Answer key
Elements and the periodic table
Activity LessonWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Chemistry: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the composition, structure, and interactions of matter in order to support the predictability of structure and energy transformations.
Structure of Matter: Cite evidence to support the fact that all matter is made up of atoms, which are far too small to see directly through a microscope.
Recognize and describe that the atoms of each element are alike but different from atoms of other elements.
Recognize and describe that different arrangements of atoms into groups compose all substances.
Provide examples to illustrate that elements are substances that do not breakdown into smaller parts during normal investigations involving heating, exposure to electric current or reactions with acids.
Cite evidence to explain that all living and non-living things can be broken down to a set of known elements.