36 exam-style questions on Carbohydrates and lipids — topic B1.1 of Form and function in the IB Biology syllabus — with answers and explanations. Samples below; the full set is free with an account.
The monomers from which proteins are built are
Answer: amino acids
Amino acids join by peptide bonds (condensation) to form polypeptides.
Starch and glycogen are both polymers of
Answer: glucose
Both are glucose polymers used for energy storage; cellulose is also a glucose polymer but structural.
State the type of reaction that joins two monosaccharides to form a disaccharide.
Answer: Condensation
A condensation reaction forms a glycosidic bond between two monosaccharides, releasing one molecule of water.
Determine why triglycerides are more suitable than carbohydrates for long-term energy storage in animals.
Answer: Twice the energy per gram, and hydrophobic
Lipids are more reduced and less oxidised than carbohydrates, releasing roughly twice the energy per gram, and being hydrophobic they store energy compactly without drawing in water.
Distinguish saturated from unsaturated fatty acids by determining which statement is correct.
Answer: Saturated fatty acids have no C=C double bonds and pack tightly
Saturated fatty acids lack C=C double bonds, so their straight chains pack tightly and they are usually solid at room temperature; unsaturated chains are kinked by double bonds and tend to be liquid.
Which statement correctly compares glycogen with amylose?
Answer: Glycogen is more branched, so more chain ends can be hydrolysed at once
Both are polymers of glucose; the difference is the pattern of glycosidic bonds. Branching multiplies the free ends at which enzymes can work, which suits an animal that must mobilise glucose quickly.
That was 6 of 36 Carbohydrates and lipids questions.
Practise all 36 freeDistinguishAO2 · 1–4 marks
Make the difference clear for BOTH terms — a definition of one of them is only half an answer.
StateAO1 · 1–2 marks
One word or one short sentence. No explanation, no working: the mark is for the fact itself.
DefineAO1 · 1–2 marks
Give the precise meaning — one sentence, the key terms in it, no example needed unless asked.
36 Carbohydrates and lipids questions — free with an account. Spaced repetition, streaks and full exam simulations included.
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