Making a model of DNA is a great way to learn more about how this structure builds our genes and determines our genetic makeup.The color of our eyes, our height, and so many other things are controlled by our genes.You can combine science and crafts for a great project using common household materials.
Step 1: You need to gather your supplies.
You will need at least four 12 in (30 cm) cleaners and six colors of beads.The plastic pony beads are the best for this project because they are wide enough to fit over the pipe cleaners.Each of the 2 pairs of pipe cleaners should have a different color.There are two pairs, one of which will be the deoxyribose.
Step 2: The pipe cleaners should be cut.
Take 2 pipe cleaners of the same color, and cut them into strips that are 2 inches long.These will be used to string your beads.The other 2 pipe cleaners should be left at their full length.
Step 3: The pipe cleaners have a double helix.
Use 2 different colors of beads to represent the sugar and phosphate groups, then bead them in alternating colors down each of the full-length pipe cleaners.The double helix should match up so that the beads are in the same order.The room to attach the other pieces of pipe cleaner should be between the bead and the wall.
Step 4: You should bead your nitrogenous bases.
Pair the other colors of beads together.To represent the pairs of cytosine and guanine, the same colors must always go together.At the ends of the pipe cleaners, place 1 bead from each pair.To wrap around the double helix strands, leave a little room at the ends.As long as the beads are in the correct pairs, it doesn't matter what order they are placed.
Step 5: Attach your pipe cleaners to each other.
Wrap the ends of the beaded sections of pipe cleaner around the double helix strands.The bead of the same color on the side is always attached to each small piece.The double helix strands should be skipped.The order of small pieces doesn't matter, it's up to you to organize them on the double helix strands.
Step 6: The double helix should be twisted.
If you want to give the appearance of a strand of DNA, twist the ends of the double helix in a clockwise direction.Your model is complete!
Step 7: You need to gather your supplies.
You will need small styrofoam balls, a needle and thread, paint, and toothpicks to make this version of the project.
Step 8: You can paint styrofoam balls.
There are 6 different colors to represent the sugar and phosphate groups.You can choose any 6 colors.You will need to paint 16 sugar balls, 14 phosphate balls and 4 different colors for each of the nitrogenous bases.One of the colors could be white, so that you don't have to paint the styrofoam.It might be easy for the sugar balls, as it will reduce the amount of work.
Step 9: Pair off the bases that are nitrogenous.
When the paint has dried, designate 1 color for each of the nitrogenous bases, and then pair them with their matching base.They always go with guanine and adenine.If they are in the correct pairs, the order of the colors doesn't matter.There is a little extra space at the end of the toothpicks.
Step 10: The double helix needs to be made.
Use the needle and string to cut a piece that is long enough to hold 15 styrofoam balls.To thread the needle on the other end of the string, tie a knot at one end.The styrofoam balls should be lined up so that they alternate in sets of 15.There should be more sugar balls thanphosphate balls.When placed next to each other, make sure the 2 strands of sugar and phosphate are in the same order.Thread through the centers of the styrofoam balls.To prevent the balls from sliding off, tie the string at the end of each strand.
Step 11: Attach the bases to the strands.
Attach the sugar balls to the long strand of toothpicks with the sharp end of the nitrogenous bases.Only the pairs attach the styrofoam balls to the sugar, as this is how DNA is attached in real life.The pairs of bases will not fall off easily if enough toothpick is attached to the strands.
Step 12: The double helix should be twisted.
Once all the toothpick bases have been attached to the sugar, twist the double strands in a clockwise direction to mimic the appearance of a double helix.Your model is complete.
Step 13: You can choose your candy.
Use strands of black and red licorice that have a hollow center to make the sugar and phosphate sides.Use colored gummy bear candy for the nitrogenous bases.Make sure that the candy you use is soft enough to allow a toothpick to pierce it.Colored marshmallows are a good substitute for gummy bears.
Step 14: Take care of your other supplies.
The model will be created with string and toothpicks.You can make the string longer or shorter depending on the size of your model.The double helix can be made using 2 pieces of string that are the same length.You may need more or less toothpicks depending on how large your model is.
Step 15: Cut the material.
These will be strung on your string in alternating colors and should be cut to 1 inch long.
Step 16: Go with your gummy bears.
There are pairs of cytosine and guanine in a DNA strand.There are 4 different colored gummy bears that represent nitrogenous bases.As long as the two in a pair are always C-G or G-C, it doesn't matter.You can't mix colors.For example, you can't combine T-G and A--C.
Step 17: It's a good idea to string your candy.
Take the 2 pieces of string and tie a knot in the bottom of them.In alternating colors, thread the string through the hollow centers.The double helix strands are made of sugar andphosphate.Your gummy bear nitrogenous bases will be attaching to the color of Licorice if you choose one color to be the sugar group.If you place your 2 strands next to each other, make sure they have the same order.Once you have added all your pieces, tie a knot to the other end of the string.
Step 18: Attach your gummy bears with toothpicks.
If you want to stick a bear from each pair of gummy bears, use a toothpick and stick one from the end of the toothpick.Push the gummy bears far enough on each toothpick that the sharp end is still sticking out.Differences and changes in the genes they form can be determined by the number of pairs in real life.
Step 19: Attach the gummy bears to the candy.
Attach the gummy bear toothpicks to the licorice with the sharp ends by laying it flat on a smooth surface.You should only attach the toothpicks to the sugar molecule.For example, all of the red pieces are the same color.Don't worry about saving gummy bear toothpicks, use all of them.
Step 20: You can twist your double helix.
The spiral appearance of a double helix can be achieved by twisting the strands in a clockwise direction.Enjoy the finished model!