Question

write The biological importance of alkane

Answer 1

Alkanes are widespread in nature, originating mostly from biological processes. For example, odd-numbered, unbranched alkanes can be found in the spores of fungi while even-numbered alkanes are contained in sedimentary rocks.

Methane and ammonia were the main components of the primordial atmosphere. Under the influence of UV irradiation, they form hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which subsequently could polymerize to adenine, an important building block of ribonucleic acid. Reaction of methane and ammonia in the presence of water leads to amino acids.

Plants and animals can secrete alkanes as part of their surface waxes, which they use in order to prevent water loss.

Alkanes are found in various organisms. Ants and cockroaches have n-undecane which is a pheromone in their bodies. It helps cockroaches aggregate. It is postulated that when ants sting, the alkanes help the formic acid spread through the victim’s contact point.

Pristane is found in shark liver oil and also in sperm whale, lobster, zooplankton, etc. It’s apparent stability under anaerobic condition makes it a good biological marker and used for many medical studies.