How do bees make beeswax?
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
How Do Bees Make Beeswax?
Beeswax Production Process
Secretion of Beeswax by Worker Bees
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. Worker bees secrete beeswax from eight wax-producing mirror glands located on the inner sides of the ventral shield or plate of each segment of their abdomen. These glands produce small scales of wax, which the bees then use to construct their combs.
Biochemical Synthesis of Beeswax
The synthesis of beeswax involves complex biochemical processes. Initially, it was believed that bees might gather wax from external sources, but it was later confirmed that bees synthesize and secrete wax themselves. The wax is produced from fatty acids and long-chain primary alcohols within the bees' wax glands. Studies have shown that bees incorporate substances like (1-14C)-palmitate into wax monoesters, a process enhanced by ATP, CoA, and MgCl2. This indicates that bees utilize internal biochemical pathways to produce the necessary components for wax synthesis.
Transformation and Utilization of Wax Scales
Once secreted, the wax scales are chewed by the bees and mixed with a frothy substance, which likely contains lipolytic proteins that alter the lipid composition of the wax. This transformation is crucial as it changes the physical properties of the wax, making it suitable for comb construction. The hydrophobic nature of beeswax suggests that it is transported from the wax glands to the exterior by lipophorins, similar to hydrocarbon transport in other insects.
Importance and Applications of Beeswax
Structural Role in the Hive
Beeswax plays a vital role in the hive, serving as the primary material for constructing honeycombs. These combs are used to store honey, pollen, and to rear young bees. The structural integrity and durability of beeswax make it an essential component of the hive's architecture.
Economic and Industrial Value
Beyond its role in the hive, beeswax has significant economic and industrial value. It is used in a variety of products, including candles, polishes, cosmetics, and even in food processing and packaging. The versatility and biodegradability of beeswax make it a valuable resource in many industries.
Medicinal Properties
Beeswax also possesses medicinal properties. It has been shown to be effective in treating bruises, inflammation, and burns due to its antibacterial properties. Recent studies have highlighted its potential in reducing the effectiveness of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Salmonella enterica.
Conclusion
In summary, beeswax is a remarkable substance produced by honey bees through a sophisticated process of secretion and biochemical synthesis. Worker bees utilize their wax glands to produce wax scales, which are then transformed and used to build the structural foundation of their hives. The economic, industrial, and medicinal applications of beeswax further underscore its importance, making it a valuable natural resource.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic