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D1.2.4—Transcription for gene expression

Transcription controls gene expression by producing mRNA only from genes activated in particular cells, tissues, stages or environmental conditions within organisms.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D1.2.4
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing3%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2019
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1–2

Common command terms

  • Determine
  • Outline
  • Compare
  • Deduce
  • Evaluate

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Treating a visible mRNA band as protein evidence rather than evidence of transcription.

Recent exam appearances

May 2019Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ21(d)[ 1 ]D1.2.4—Transcription for gene expression
May 2017Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ21(f)(iii)[ 2 ]D1.2.4—Transcription for gene expression
May 2017Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ21(f)(ii)[ 2 ]D1.2.4—Transcription for gene expression
May 2017Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ11(e)[ 2 ]D1.2.4—Transcription for gene expression
Practice this objective

Coverage 2017–2019 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • mRNA presence indicates that a gene has been transcribed.
  • Different cells can express different genes from the same genome.
  • Gel bands and expression graphs can compare transcription across tissues or treatments.
  • Gene expression evidence must be linked to the named gene and condition.
ConceptIB Biology HL