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D1.1.4—PCR and gel electrophoresis

PCR and gel electrophoresis explains how DNA is copied, checked, amplified or analysed through specific strand relationships, enzymes and molecular techniques.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D1.1.4
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing11%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper3
Typical marks1

Common command terms

  • Explain
  • Outline
  • State
  • Identify
  • Determine
  • Describe
  • Compare
  • Deduce
  • Predict
  • Suggest

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Describing PCR as DNA separation instead of DNA amplification.

Recent exam appearances

November 2025Paper1A ["HL"] · TZ19[ 1 ]D1.1.4—PCR and gel electrophoresis
November 2025Paper1A ["HL"] · TZ310[ 1 ]D1.1.4—PCR and gel electrophoresis
May 2024Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ212(b)[ 1 ]D1.1.4—PCR and gel electrophoresis
May 2024Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ212(a)[ 2 ]D1.1.4—PCR and gel electrophoresis
November 2023Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ25[ 1 ]D1.1.4—PCR and gel electrophoresis
Practice this objective

Coverage 2015–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • PCR and gel electrophoresis depends on matching each strand, enzyme or laboratory step to its exact function.
  • Template strands and complementary base pairing give pcr and gel electrophoresis its copying accuracy.
  • PCR and gel electrophoresis is clearer when amplification, separation and profiling are not confused.
  • Molecular evidence for pcr and gel electrophoresis must be interpreted from bands, isotopes, primers or enzyme roles.
ConceptIB Biology HL