Question

Which one is a plant wax?
A. Lanolin
B. Spermaceti
C. Carnauba
D. Petrolatum

Answer 1

Hint: Wax is an organic compound that is malleable and lipophilic solids near ambient temperature. Different types of natural waxes are produced by plants and animals. The wax secreted by the plants on the surface or into the cuticles is called plant wax.

Complete answer:
The wax secreted by the plants is called plant wax. The cuticles of plants secrete plant wax into or on the surface in order to control the rate of evaporation, hydration, and wettability. Plant waxes are mixtures of alcohols, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, esters, acids, and ketones that form a layer outside the epidermal cells.
-The wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals is called wool wax or wool grease. Wool wax is also called lanolin. Pure lanolin is composed of a long chain of waxy esters. The lanolin wax is produced by domestic breeding sheep. It is an animal wax.
-A waxy substance found in the head cavities of sperm whales is called spermaceti. A waxy substance called spermaceti is secreted by the spermaceti organ situated inside the whale’s head.
-A wax secreted by the leaves of the carnauba palm is called carnauba. Carnauba is also called palm wax or Brazil wax. Carnauba wax is obtained by collecting the leaves of the carnauba palm, drying and beating them for loosening of the wax. Finally, it is refined and bleached to form wax.
-Petrolatum means petroleum jelly. It is a synthetic manmade wax.

Therefore, option (C) is correct as it is derived from the leaves of the palm.

Note: Carnauba wax is a hard wax which is obtained from the brazilian palm called Copernicia prunifera. It is the most important plant wax used for commercial purposes. Due to its glossy finish, it is used in shoe polishes, dental floss, and instrument polishes. Other examples of plant wax are jojoba oil, ouricury wax, and candela wax.