DNA and Genetics Word Search
Play a DNA and Genetics word search free online. We built the 12-word list around the terms and ideas of a school subject, then scattered it across a 15×15 grid — horizontal, vertical and diagonal. Find them all to clear the board.
Words to find: GENE, GENOME, CHROMOSOME, ALLELE, MUTATION, HEREDITY, NUCLEOTIDE, HELIX, PROTEIN, TRAIT, DOMINANT, RECESSIVE.
Words run in any of eight directions, backwards included — if one refuses to turn up, try reading the grid right to left.
DNA and Genetics word list, defined
- GENE /dʒiːn/ · noun
- A gene is a fundamental unit of heredity consisting of a sequence of DNA that contributes to a particular characteristic or biological function. In a broader sense, the word can refer to a genetic factor or predisposition. Related: genetic factor, hereditary factor, unit of inheritance, DNA segment.
- GENOME /ˈdʒiːnoʊm/ · noun
- The complete set of genetic material in a cell, organism, or virus, including all genes and the noncoding sequences between or within them. The term is also used figuratively for the complete genetic blueprint of an organism or system. Related: genetic complement, chromosome set.
- CHROMOSOME /ˈkrəʊməsəʊm/ (UK); /ˈkroʊməsoʊm/ (US) · noun
- A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
- ALLELE /əˈliːl/ · noun
- One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same position on a chromosome; an individual inherits one allele from each parent for each gene. Related: allelomorph, gene variant, genetic variant.
- MUTATION /mjuˈteɪʃən/ · noun
- A change in the genetic material of an organism, especially a spontaneous or induced alteration in DNA. More broadly, it means a significant change, transformation, or alteration. Related: alteration, change, variation, transformation.
- HEREDITY /həˈrɛdəti/ · noun
- The transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring through genetic inheritance. In biology, it refers to the process by which traits pass from one generation to the next. Related: inheritance, genetic inheritance, transmission of traits.
- NUCLEOTIDE /ˈnuː.kli.ə.taɪd/ · noun
- A nucleotide is an organic molecule composed of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and one or more phosphate groups. Nucleotides are the basic structural units of DNA and RNA and also participate in cellular energy transfer and signaling. Related: nucleoside phosphate.
- HELIX /ˈhiːlɪks/ · noun
- A spiral or coil, especially one forming a continuous curve or a twisted structure. In biology, the term refers to spiral-shaped structures such as the double helix of DNA and the alpha helix of proteins. Related: spiral, coil, curl, twist.
- PROTEIN /ˈprəʊtiːn/ (British); /ˈproʊtiːn/ (US) · noun
- A protein is a large organic molecule made of one or more chains of amino acids, produced by living cells and involved in virtually every biological process. In nutrition, protein is the class of nutrient found in foods such as meat, beans, dairy products, and eggs that supplies amino acids to the body.
- TRAIT /treɪt/ · noun
- A distinguishing quality or characteristic of a person, group, organism, or thing, especially one that helps identify or classify it. Related: characteristic, quality, attribute, feature.
- DOMINANT /ˈdɒmɪnənt/ (UK), /ˈdɑːmənənt/ (US) · adjective (also noun)
- Most important, powerful, or influential; exercising chief authority or control. In genetics, refers to an allele or trait that is expressed in the phenotype even when only one copy is present. Related: predominant, prevailing, ruling, paramount.
- RECESSIVE /rɪˈsɛsɪv/ · adjective; noun
- Adjective: tending to recede, withdraw, or be less prominent; also, in genetics, inherited in a form that is typically masked by a dominant allele. Noun: a recessive allele or trait. Related: receding, retreating, withdrawing, subordinate.
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