Making your own DNA model is a fun science project that you can do with lots of easy-to- find materials.You can build a 3-dimensional model of a double helix using either pipe cleaners or tape or styrofoam balls and toothpicks.
Step 1: Purchase a pack of pipe cleaners.
Look for a pack of pipe cleaners that has at least 6 different colors.Different colors are needed for the different parts of your model.They will make your model more interesting to look at.If you can't find a pack of pipe cleaners with 6 colors, that's fine.If necessary, you can use the same colors for different parts of your model.You can buy pipe cleaners at your local craft store or online.
Step 2: Choose between 2 and 4 colors for the outer strands.
There are strands on the inside and outside of your model.If you can, try to use 6 different colors for the strands.You could choose between blue and pink, green, yellow, purple, and red pipe cleaners for the outer strands.There are 2 colors for the outer strands and 4 colors in the inner strands.
Step 3: Take a pipe cleaner and twist it together.
If you want to twist the pipe cleaners together, hold them parallel and their sides touching.Then, use your hands to twist them together, starting at one end and working your way down to the other.You should have one long, twisted strand made up of 2 different color pipe cleaners when you are done.
Step 4: The other strand can be made with 2 pipe cleaners in the same colors.
You should have 2 matching, twisted outer strands when you are done.Make sure you use the same colors for the outer strands.If you use pink and blue pipe cleaners, you will want to use the second strand as well.
Step 5: Cut the pipe cleaner into 5 equal pieces.
Measure out the 5 sections with a ruler and then bend the pipe cleaners where you want them to go.If you want to divide the pipe cleaners into 5 equal parts, you need to cut through the creases on each one with a pair of scissors.You should end up with 20 pieces because you will be using 4 pipe cleaners and cutting each one into 5 equal pieces.
Step 6: 10 inner strand pieces with each outer strand.
It doesn't matter which strand you pair with, try to only use 2 inner-strand colors per strand.Make sure the nitrogenous bases are represented on the outer strand.If you want to do this, assign a color to each base.You could use red, blue, green, and yellow if you wanted.You can pair the bases after assigning the colors.Gnanine pairs with cytosine.If you have a blue pipe cleaner on one side, put a red one on the other side.If you put the inner and outer strands together, keep them separate.
Step 7: Attach the outer strand to the inner strand.
To attach the strands, wrap the inner strands around the outer strand.You can change the colors as you go.The outer strand should be left about 2.5 cm from the inner strand.You want the ends of the inner strands to go in the same direction as the outer strands.
Step 8: Tape the inner and outer strands together.
The pipe cleaners should look like a ladder when you line them up.Simply line up the ends so they overlap slightly and then wrap a piece of clear tape around them.You should do this for each strand of your model.You can use different tape if you don't have clear tape.Once your model is finished, it may be visible.
Step 9: If you want to finish your model, twist the strands into a helix.
If you want to twist your model into a helix, begin by grabbing onto each end with your hands and twisting them in opposite directions.The pipe cleaners will remain twisted in a helix if you press your hands together to squash the model flat.Your model is finished once it retains its shape.If your model begins to lose its shape, you can twist it with your hands.
Step 10: Purchase 48 white Styrofoam balls.
Styrofoam balls are about 1 inch in diameter.You need to paint the balls different colors for your project, so make sure you get white balls.Styrofoam balls can be found at your local craft store.
Step 11: Take 24 balls and paint 12 green and 12 white.
The strands that run along the outside of your model are made up of green and white balls.To paint half of the balls, use a paintbrush to apply a thin layer of green, water-based paint.While you work on the rest of your model, set the balls aside.Water-based paint can be found at your local craft store.You can place an order online.
Step 12: Divide the balls into piles of 6 and paint them different colors.
The balls should be painted with red, blue, yellow, and orange.The inner strands of your DNA model are represented by these balls.You can dry the balls on a sheet of newspaper or a paper towel when you are done painting them.You should have red, blue, yellow, and orange balls.
Step 13: Attach the red and yellow balls to a toothpick.
Two balls will be the center of the first rung of your model, similar to a ladder.You should leave a little space between the balls.
Step 14: Attach the white ball to the first rung.
Attach the white balls with toothpicks that are in the center of the red and yellow balls.The toothpicks have a white ball on them.The first rung should have a white ball on each end and red and yellow balls in the middle.
Step 15: The white balls have toothpicks in them.
If you want the toothpicks to stick up from the top of the white balls on the first rung, you need them to be on each white ball.To give your model the proper helix shape, you need to angle the toothpicks slightly and insert them in opposite directions.The toothpicks don't need to be precise.If they are sticking up at an angle and in opposite directions, your model will work.
Step 16: Put a green ball on the toothpicks.
Push the green balls all the way to get to the white balls.The outer strands of your model will be supported by the green and white balls.There are green balls and white balls.The green balls should be sitting on top of the white balls if you angle the toothpicks.
Step 17: Blue and orange balls are used to create the next rung.
Each rung in your model should have a different color.You want to use blue and orange balls since you used red and yellow balls to make the first rung.Similar to the first rung, connect a blue and orange ball with a toothpick.Attach a white ball to the rung.If you want to accurately represent the base pairs, make sure to pair red with yellow and blue with orange between the 2 strands.You should put a toothpick in each ball so they are in the same place as you were with the first rung.
Step 18: Attach the second rung to the green balls with toothpicks.
There is a toothpick in the white ball below the green ball.The toothpicks should be stuck onto the white balls at the end of the second rung.You will be able to see the beginning of the helix shape at this point.
Step 19: Continue attaching new rungs until you have used all of the Styrofoam balls.
You should use different colors when building the rungs.Attach green balls between the rungs of the model.Your model is finished once you have used all of the balls.Attach the rung at the bottom of the model to the Styrofoam block with toothpicks.