IB Biology HL · 2025

4.2 Protein synthesis

8 past paper questions from 7 papers across 2 exam sessions. See what repeats, then practise the same skills with AI marking.

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HL archive · 2025 to 2026

4.2 Protein synthesis

Latest exam session: May 2026

questions
8
questions
papers
7
papers
exam sessions
2
exam sessions
micro-topics
3

Micro-topics in 4.2 Protein synthesis

In syllabus order. The ring is the share of papers each appears in.

  • 25

    4.2.1

    Transcription: making mRNA

    3 questions · in 25% of papersAppears in 2 of the 8 Biology HL papers analysed (25%), at least once each.

    Frequently tested

    last May 26 P2 TZA

  • 25

    4.2.2

    The genetic code and codon tables

    2 questions · in 25% of papersAppears in 2 of the 8 Biology HL papers analysed (25%), at least once each.

    Frequently tested

    last May 25 P2 TZ2

  • 38

    4.2.3

    Translation: building the polypeptide

    3 questions · in 38% of papersAppears in 3 of the 8 Biology HL papers analysed (38%), at least once each.

    Frequently tested

    last May 26 P1 TZA

Exam pattern

How often each micro-topic has been examined, year by year. Each label is explained under the grid.

Does it repeat?

Questions per year for each micro-topic.

fewermore

Micro-topic20252026
4.2.3Translation: building the polypeptideFrequently tested
2Translation: building the polypeptide, 2025: 2 questions1Translation: building the polypeptide, 2026: 1 question
4.2.1Transcription: making mRNAFrequently tested
1Transcription: making mRNA, 2025: 1 question2Transcription: making mRNA, 2026: 2 questions
4.2.2The genetic code and codon tablesFrequently tested
2The genetic code and codon tables, 2025: 2 questions·The genetic code and codon tables, 2026: 0 questions
  • Frequently testedin at least a quarter of all papers, and still appearing in the last two years

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Questions on 4.2 Protein synthesis, by exam session

Which papers asked about 4.2 Protein synthesis, and which question numbers. Open a paper to see them highlighted.

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Frequently asked questions

Short answers about this page.

Which Biology HL exam sessions are covered for 4.2 Protein synthesis?

2 exam sessions from 2025 to 2026, the latest May 2026. Every Paper 1 and 2 in every timezone is read and classified in full, which gives 7 papers in this archive.

Which 4.2 Protein synthesis topic comes up most?

Translation: building the polypeptide (4.2.3): in 38% of papers, last seen May 26 P1 TZA. Usually "identify", worth about 1 marks in a paper that includes it.

Can I see the original question and mark scheme?

No. The wording belongs to the IB. You get the citation, the marks, the command term and the skill tested, plus our own matched practice questions with worked answers and AI marking.

What do "banker", "due" and "rising" mean?

Banker: examined in at least one sitting in four and still appearing. Due: regular before, but absent for the last two exam sessions. Rising: clearly more common in the last two years. Our classification of real papers, not an IB statistic.

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