A1.2.1—DNA as genetic material
DNA acts as the hereditary material in living organisms, carrying genetic information in chromosomes and some organelles while RNA genomes occur only in viruses.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- A1.2.1
- Level
- HL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing2%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2023
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1
Common command terms
- State
Recent exam appearances
November 2023Paper2 HL · TZ23(a)[ 1 ]A1.2.1—DNA as genetic material
November 2023Paper2 HL · TZ13(a)[ 1 ]A1.2.1—DNA as genetic material
Practice this objective
Coverage 2023–2023 · Updated 14 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- DNA as genetic material should be described using precise molecular vocabulary.
- Structure and information must be kept separate: backbones provide continuity while bases carry sequence meaning.
- Exam answers should match the command term and avoid adding unsupported extra claims.