DNA and molecular genetics crossword: crossword puzzle for Grade 10, page 1 preview

Crossword puzzle · Science

DNA and molecular genetics crossword · Grade 10

Solve a crossword of up to 17 words about DNA and molecular genetics from short definition clues. Builds vocabulary, spelling and reading for meaning.

Grade 10 · ages 15 to 16
Hard
20 to 30 minutes
1 page
Free

The answer key is a separate page for grown-ups. Sign in to download it.

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The crossword clues

Directions: Read each clue and write the answer in the grid, one letter in each box.

Across
1 DNA building block made of a sugar, a phosphate and a base
5 Enzyme that unzips the DNA double helix
6 Enzyme that builds new strands of DNA or
RNA
11 Single-stranded nucleic acid that uses uracil instead of thymine
12 Making an RNA copy of a gene
13 Gene-editing tool adapted from a bacterial defense system
Down
2 Study of chemical marks that switch genes on or off without changing the code
3 Building a protein from an mRNA message at a ribosome
4 Copying of DNA before a cell divides
7 Describes a trait whose gene is carried on the
X or Y chromosome (3, 6)
8 One of twenty building blocks used to make proteins (5, 4)
9 Folded chain of amino acids that does much of a cell's work
10 Two bases joined across the DNA ladder, such as A with T (4, 4)

What your child practices

Your child builds vocabulary, spelling and reading for meaning.

Grades and ages: Grade 10, ages 15 to 16
Time: About 20 to 30 minutes
Subject: Science
Level: Hard for Grade 10
Answer key: Yes, for grown-ups who sign in
Printing: 1 page, US Letter or A4, low-ink option
Updated: October 15, 2026

How to use it

Read the first across clue together so the format is clear. Use a pencil so mistakes rub out easily, and check every answer at the end. It is one of the harder sheets for Grade 10, best once the basics of the topic are secure.

An answer key comes with it as a separate page that grown-ups download after signing in.

Tip for grown-ups: Use the letter count after each clue and any crossing letters when a clue gets stuck.

Done on paper? A grown-up can record it on the child's page in PlayOwl; downloading alone doesn't count as finished.