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B1.1.9—Formation of triglycerides and phospholipids

Triglycerides and phospholipids form when fatty acids condense with glycerol, producing ester bonds and water molecules during lipid synthesis reactions.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
B1.1.9
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing1%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2024
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1

Common command terms

  • State
  • Identify
  • Describe

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Naming hydrolysis instead of condensation when fatty acids join glycerol.

Recent exam appearances

November 2024Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ04(a)[ 1 ]B1.1.9—Formation of triglycerides and phospholipids
Practice this objective

Coverage 2024–2024 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Triglycerides contain glycerol joined to three fatty acids.
  • Condensation forms ester bonds between glycerol and fatty acids.
  • Phospholipids contain glycerol, two fatty acids and a phosphate-containing group.
  • Triglycerides and phospholipids are assembled lipids, not true repeating polymers.
ConceptIB Biology HL