Genetics Word Search

ALLELE – Different versions of the same gene that occupy the same position on chromosomes, determining variations in inherited characteristics like eye color or blood type in organisms.

AMINO – Refers to amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, containing an amino group and essential for constructing proteins that perform vital functions throughout living organisms.

BASE PAIR – Two complementary nucleotide bases joined by hydrogen bonds in DNA structure: adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine, forming the ladder rungs.

CELL – The smallest basic unit of life, containing genetic material and performing all functions necessary for survival, growth, reproduction, and response to environmental stimuli in organisms.

CHROMATIN – Complex of DNA and proteins found in cell nuclei that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division, allowing efficient packaging and regulation of genetic material.

CLONE – Genetically identical organism or cell produced asexually from a single ancestor, possessing identical DNA sequences and characteristics as the original parent organism or cell.

CODON – Three-nucleotide sequence in messenger RNA that specifies which amino acid will be added during protein synthesis or signals the start or stop of translation.

DNA – Deoxyribonucleic acid, the hereditary material carrying genetic instructions for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses in existence.

DOMINANT – Genetic trait expressed in an organism’s phenotype when at least one dominant allele is present, masking the effect of any recessive allele at that gene location.

ENZYME – Biological catalyst protein that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed, essential for metabolism, DNA replication, and countless other cellular processes.

GENE – Basic unit of heredity made of DNA sequences that codes for specific proteins or functional RNA molecules, determining inherited traits passed from parents to offspring.

GENOME – Complete set of genetic material contained in an organism, including all genes and non-coding sequences, representing the entire hereditary information necessary for life functions.

GENOTYPE – Genetic makeup of an organism, representing the complete set of alleles inherited from parents, which interacts with environmental factors to produce observable physical characteristics.

HELIX – Spiral or coiled three-dimensional structure, most famously describing DNA’s double helix configuration where two strands twist around each other in complementary base pairing arrangement.

HEREDITY – Transmission of genetic characteristics from parent organisms to their offspring through DNA, explaining why children resemble parents and how traits pass through multiple generations naturally.

HYBRID – Offspring resulting from breeding two genetically different parents or varieties, combining traits from both parents and often exhibiting increased vigor or unique characteristic combinations.

MEIOSIS – Specialized cell division producing four genetically unique reproductive cells with half the chromosome number, essential for sexual reproduction and creating genetic diversity in offspring.

MITOSIS – Cell division process creating two identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent, essential for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction.

MUTANT – Organism displaying characteristics that differ from normal or wild-type due to genetic mutation, resulting in altered DNA sequences that produce new or modified traits.

MUTATION – Permanent change in DNA sequence occurring spontaneously or through environmental factors, creating genetic variation and serving as the raw material for evolution and diversity.

PHENOTYPE – Observable physical and biochemical characteristics of an organism determined by genetic makeup interacting with environmental influences, including appearance, behavior, and biochemical properties expressed outwardly.

PROTEIN – Large complex molecule made of amino acid chains performing crucial functions including catalyzing reactions, providing structure, transporting molecules, and defending against disease in living organisms.

RECESSIVE – Genetic trait expressed only when two copies of the recessive allele are present, remaining hidden when a dominant allele exists at the same gene location.

RNA – Ribonucleic acid, single-stranded molecule essential for protein synthesis, gene regulation, and other cellular processes, serving as messenger between DNA and protein-making cellular machinery.