A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
DNA and RNA differ in sugar, bases, strand structure, and usual length, giving each nucleic acid distinct roles in cells.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- A1.2.7
- Level
- HL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–3
Common command terms
- Identify
- State
- Distinguish
- Determine
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Listing a DNA feature as an RNA feature, especially thymine, uracil, ribose, or deoxyribose.
Recent exam appearances
May 2025Paper2 HL · TZ33(a)[ 1 ]A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
May 2019Paper2 HL · TZ27(a)[ 3 ]A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
May 2019Paper1 HL · TZ17[ 1 ]A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
May 2016Paper1 HL · TZ05[ 1 ]A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
Practice this objective
Coverage 2016–2025 · Updated 14 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Differences between DNA and RNA 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.