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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
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing6%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1

Common command terms

  • State
  • Draw
  • Identify
  • Outline

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Classifying disaccharides or polysaccharides as monosaccharides.

Recent exam appearances

November 2025Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ36(a)[ 5 ]B1.1.4—Form and function of monosaccharides
November 2024Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ12(a)(ii)[ 1 ]B1.1.4—Form and function of monosaccharides
November 2023Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ26[ 1 ]B1.1.4—Form and function of monosaccharides
November 2023Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ16[ 1 ]B1.1.4—Form and function of monosaccharides
November 2020Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ05(a)[ 3 ]B1.1.4—Form and function of monosaccharides
Practice this objective

Coverage 2010–2025 · 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 SL