A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
DNA and RNA differ in sugar, bases, strand structure, and usual length, giving each nucleic acid distinct roles in cells.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- A1.2.7
- Level
- SL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing6%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–2
Common command terms
- Identify
- State
- Distinguish
- Determine
Scoring notes
- Common mistake
- Listing a DNA feature as an RNA feature, especially thymine, uracil, ribose, or deoxyribose.
Recent exam appearances
November 2025Paper2 SL · TZ32(c)[ 2 ]A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
May 2025Paper2 SL · TZ15(b)[ 2 ]A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
November 2024Paper1 SL · TZ111[ 1 ]A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
May 2019Paper3 SL · TZ22(b)[ 2 ]A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
May 2018Paper2 SL · TZ12(c)[ 2 ]A1.2.7—Differences between DNA and RNA
Practice this objective
Coverage 2010–2025 · Updated 14 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Differences between DNA and RNA 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.