A1.2.1—DNA as genetic material
DNA acts as the hereditary material in living organisms, carrying genetic information in chromosomes and some organelles while RNA genomes occur only in viruses.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- A1.2.1
- Level
- SL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing3%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2024
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1
Common command terms
- State
Recent exam appearances
May 2024Paper1 SL · TZ213[ 1 ]A1.2.1—DNA as genetic material
November 2023Paper2 SL · TZ23(a)[ 1 ]A1.2.1—DNA as genetic material
November 2023Paper2 SL · TZ13(a)[ 1 ]A1.2.1—DNA as genetic material
November 2018Paper1 SL · TZ016[ 1 ]A1.2.1—DNA as genetic material
Practice this objective
Coverage 2018–2024 · Updated 14 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- DNA as genetic material should be described using precise molecular vocabulary.
- Structure and information must be kept separate: backbones provide continuity while bases carry sequence meaning.
- Exam answers should match the command term and avoid adding unsupported extra claims.