Wax Esters

Comprise esters of a long-chain fatty acid and a long-chain fatty alcohol, serving as a major form of energy storage in some organisms and providing protective coatings.

Key Functions:

• Serve as energy storage in certain marine organisms and plants.
• Provide waterproofing and protective barriers (e.g., in skin, earwax).
• Component of sebum in human skin.

Interacting Systems & Components:

• Fatty Alcohols (component)
• Free Fatty Acid (component)
• Skin (protective barrier)
• Cerumen (component of earwax)