D1.2.14 (HL)—Non-coding sequences in DNA
Non-coding DNA includes sequences that regulate genes, protect chromosome ends or code for functional RNA rather than polypeptides in genomes.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- D1.2.14
- Level
- HL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing10%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2024
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1
Common command terms
- State
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Equating non-coding DNA with having no function.
Recent exam appearances
November 2024Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ027[ 1 ]D1.2.14 (HL)—Non-coding sequences in DNA
November 2022Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ04(c)(ii)[ 1 ]D1.2.14 (HL)—Non-coding sequences in DNA
May 2021Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ126[ 1 ]D1.2.14 (HL)—Non-coding sequences in DNA
May 2019Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ22(a)(iii)[ 2 ]D1.2.14 (HL)—Non-coding sequences in DNA
May 2019Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ214[ 1 ]D1.2.14 (HL)—Non-coding sequences in DNA
Practice this objective
Coverage 2013–2024 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Non-coding DNA can regulate transcription.
- Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes.
- Some DNA sequences code for functional RNAs such as tRNA or rRNA.
- Introns are removed from eukaryotic RNA before mature mRNA is translated.