etalaat -
A little more information giving us a context would help. The answer to most all of your questions is, "Maybe - it depends on the specific application."
Here is an example, "Can I use an apple instead of an orange?" Sure, if all you are trying to do is get something to eat. Or, No, if you are trying to get something to taste like an orange.
I'm not trying to poke fun at you, I trying to show why you need to give us some of the specific application in order to get better answers
carl