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B1.1.4—Form and function of monosaccharides

Monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose and ribose are small soluble sugars whose structures support transport, respiration and polymer formation in cells.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
B1.1.4
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing2%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2022
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–3

Common command terms

  • State
  • Draw
  • Identify
  • Outline

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Classifying disaccharides or polysaccharides as monosaccharides.

Recent exam appearances

November 2022Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ07(a)[ 3 ]B1.1.4—Form and function of monosaccharides
May 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ25[ 1 ]B1.1.4—Form and function of monosaccharides
Practice this objective

Coverage 2022–2022 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Glucose, fructose, galactose and ribose are monosaccharides.
  • Glucose is polar and soluble, so it can be transported in blood plasma.
  • Alpha and beta glucose differ in hydroxyl orientation at carbon 1.
  • Glucose can be oxidized in respiration or polymerized for storage and structure.
ConceptIB Biology HL