Q BankQuestion BankDocsDocuments

A2.1.6—RNA as presumed first genetic material

RNA could precede DNA and proteins because one nucleotide polymer can store inherited information, copy sequences, fold into catalysts, and still catalyse peptide formation in ribosomes.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
A2.1.6
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing3%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper3
Typical marks1–5

Common command terms

  • Outline
  • State
  • Explain
  • Identify
  • Describe

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Giving only RNA's informational role and omitting its catalytic activity.

Recent exam appearances

November 2025Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ310(a)[ 5 ]A2.1.6—RNA as presumed first genetic material
May 2014Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ22(b)[ 2 ]A2.1.6—RNA as presumed first genetic material
May 2012Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ1D2(a)[ 1 ]A2.1.6—RNA as presumed first genetic material
Practice this objective

Coverage 2012–2025 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • RNA nucleotide sequences can store hereditary information.
  • RNA can fold into catalytic ribozymes.
  • Replication allows inherited variation to persist between generations.
  • Ribosomal RNA still catalyses peptide-bond formation.
ConceptIB Biology HL