This puzzle has two parts.

Part I
Answer the clues below:

1. Preface for "nautic," and "dynamic,"
2. Beatles' meter maid
3. Pod occupant 
4. Kind of battery
5. Top-of-the-line
6. Small island

Part II

Change each answer word into a new one using the hints below. Notice that the change follows a certain pattern. This pattern can be describe by a common phrase. What are the new words, the pattern of change, and the phrase that describe it?

1. Nothing
2. Putting on the _____ - showing off
3. Iconic hand-held candy dispenser
4. Letters indicating sleep
5. The "Z" in ZIP code
6. Teenage acne woe

Answers:

Part I

1. AERO
2. RITA
3. PEA
4. AAA
5. A-ONE
6. AIT

Part II

1. ZERO
2. RITZ
3. PEZ
4. ZZZ
5. ZONE
6. ZIT

The pattern is to change each A to Z.
The phrase describing the pattern is FROM A TO Z

Credit: LA Times Crossword
July 6, 2012
Erik Wennstrom 
A BECOMES Z (#1-4, adapted)