This is a question about a crossword: 1. A mutation can change the _ __ and be replicated when forming new cells. The answer is two words composed of 11 total characters (no spaces)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
geneticcode
Explanation
The answer to the crossword clue “A mutation can change the __________ ___________ and be replicated when forming new cells” is genetic code (11 characters, no spaces: geneticcode).
The genetic code refers to the set of instructions within DNA that determines how proteins are built. It is made up of sequences of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) organized into codons—groups of three nucleotides that each specify a particular amino acid. These amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for virtually all cellular functions.
A mutation is any change in the DNA sequence. This can occur naturally due to errors in DNA replication or be caused by environmental factors such as radiation, chemicals, or viruses. When a mutation changes the genetic code, it can have several outcomes. In some cases, the change may be harmless or silent (not affecting the resulting protein). In other cases, it may lead to the production of a nonfunctional or harmful protein, potentially causing disease.
Because DNA is replicated every time a cell divides, any mutation in the genetic code will also be copied into the new cells. This is why genetic mutations can be inherited or spread throughout a tissue if the mutation occurs in somatic (body) cells. In germ cells (sperm or egg), the mutation can be passed on to offspring.
Understanding how mutations affect the genetic code is critical in fields like genetics, medicine, and evolutionary biology. It helps scientists diagnose genetic disorders, develop targeted treatments (such as gene therapy), and trace evolutionary relationships among species. In short, the integrity of the genetic code is central to life, and its alteration through mutation is a powerful force in biology.
