Which group does wax belong to?

Wax belongs to the group known as lipids. Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic (water-repelling) molecules that include fats, oils, steroids, and waxes. Waxes are long-chain fatty acids esterified to long-chain alcohols, which gives them their characteristic properties, including water resistance.

The structural features of waxes allow them to form protective coatings on plants and animals, preventing water loss and protecting surfaces from environmental damage. This is in contrast to carbohydrates, which primarily serve as energy sources and structural components; proteins, which are made of amino acids and perform a wide array of functions in the body; and nucleic acids, which are involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information. Understanding the unique characteristics of lipids helps to recognize the important roles they play in biological systems, particularly in terms of energy storage, cellular structure, and signaling.