A1.2.10—Conservation of genetic code
The genetic code is nearly conserved across life, so codons usually specify the same amino acids in different organisms in IB Biology exam contexts.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- A1.2.10
- Level
- SL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing6%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2018
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1
Common command terms
- Explain
Recent exam appearances
May 2018Paper1 SL · TZ212[ 1 ]A1.2.10—Conservation of genetic code
November 2016Paper1 SL · TZ011[ 1 ]A1.2.10—Conservation of genetic code
May 2016Paper1 SL · TZ05[ 1 ]A1.2.10—Conservation of genetic code
November 2014Paper1 SL · TZ018[ 1 ]A1.2.10—Conservation of genetic code
May 2014Paper1 SL · TZ118[ 1 ]A1.2.10—Conservation of genetic code
Practice this objective
Coverage 2012–2018 · Updated 14 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Conservation of genetic code 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.