D1.1.5—Applications
Applications of DNA replication techniques use PCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA profiles to identify individuals, test paternity and support forensic or medical decisions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- D1.1.5
- Level
- HL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing5%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2022
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–4
Common command terms
- Identify
- Determine
- Explain
- Describe
- Outline
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Confusing DNA polymerase I primer replacement with DNA polymerase III strand elongation.
Recent exam appearances
May 2022Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ18(b)[ 5 ]D1.1.5—Applications
May 2021Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ18(a)[ 4 ]D1.1.5—Applications
November 2020Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ012[ 1 ]D1.1.5—Applications
November 2017Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ010(d)[ 1 ]D1.1.5—Applications
May 2016Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ07[ 1 ]D1.1.5—Applications
Practice this objective
Coverage 2014–2022 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Applications depends on matching each strand, enzyme or laboratory step to its exact function.
- Template strands and complementary base pairing give applications its copying accuracy.
- Applications is clearer when amplification, separation and profiling are not confused.
- Molecular evidence for applications must be interpreted from bands, isotopes, primers or enzyme roles.