Yes, sebum is organic.
Sebum is a naturally occurring, oily secretion produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Because it is produced by living organisms (human or animal skin) and is primarily composed of carbon-based molecules, it qualifies as organic.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Definition of Organic: In chemistry, "organic" refers to compounds primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen, often including other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. These compounds are typically associated with living organisms or their products.
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Composition of Sebum: Sebum is a complex mixture that typically includes:
- Triglycerides (fats): These are esters derived from glycerol and three fatty acids. Fatty acids contain long hydrocarbon chains, making them clearly organic.
- Wax esters: Similar to triglycerides, wax esters are also made from fatty acids.
- Squalene: This is a hydrocarbon and a precursor to cholesterol.
- Cholesterol: A sterol (a type of lipid) with a complex ring structure based on carbon.
- Free fatty acids: Fatty acids that aren't bound in triglycerides or wax esters.
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Origin: Sebum is synthesized by sebaceous glands, which are part of the skin (an organ of a living organism). The production process involves biological pathways that create these organic molecules.
Therefore, considering its composition and biological origin, sebum definitively falls under the definition of an organic substance.
