GeneLab: the free DNA and molecular-biology game for teens
GeneLab builds molecular biology from the ground up, one level at a time. Learners go from the atoms of life through nucleotides, base pairing, transcription, and translation, all the way to protein structure and a single-letter mutation that causes sickle-cell. Aimed at middle and high school, it's free, with no ads and no tracking of your kids.
What kids learn
- The elements of life (CHNOPS) and how a nucleotide is assembled
- Base-pairing rules (A-T, G-C, and A-U in RNA) and hydrogen bonding
- Transcription and reading mRNA in codon triplets using the genetic code
- Translation and how peptide bonds link amino acids into proteins
- The four levels of protein structure and how enzymes work
- How point mutations are classified and how one base change causes sickle-cell
How it works
Each level is a sequence of multiple-choice steps: an instruction appears, kids tap the right answer, and a teaching note explains it. Answering in order animates a stage visual — a nucleotide assembling, a strand filling in, a peptide chain growing — so the quiz feels like building the molecule. Stars reflect the share of first-try correct answers.
A grown-up signs in once and adds a player for each kid, so GeneLab's stars and progress save to your account and follow you to any device.
Ready to play GeneLab?
It's free, with no ads and no tracking of your kids. Ages 11–16.