Wax Esters: Chemistry and Biosynthesis

Wax esters are unique surface lipids found on the surface of terrestrial organisms. After a brief review of the composition, the mechanisms used in their biosynthesis by sebaceous glands are summarized. The molecular biology of biosynthesis of methyl-branched, short chain and very long chain acids, and the biochemical mechanism of the loss of the carboxyl carbon of the elongated very long chain acids to generate alkanes are reviewed. The molecular biology of biosynthesis of the major types of molecules contains the hydroxyl group(s) to which the acids are esterified and the molecular biology of the esterification process are reviewed. The molecular bases of seasonal and hormonal regulation of biosynthesis of wax esters that implicate some functions of the wax esters are reviewed