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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
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper1
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 2025Paper1A ["SL"] · TZ12[ 1 ]B1.1.9—Formation of triglycerides and phospholipids
May 2025Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ32(b)[ 1 ]B1.1.9—Formation of triglycerides and phospholipids
May 2024Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ25(a)[ 4 ]B1.1.9—Formation of triglycerides and phospholipids
May 2014Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ19[ 1 ]B1.1.9—Formation of triglycerides and phospholipids
May 2013Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ17[ 1 ]B1.1.9—Formation of triglycerides and phospholipids
Practice this objective

Coverage 2013–2025 · 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 SL