How Do You Make A DNA Model From Clay?
DNA determines all of the characteristics of an organism. DNA has a double helix formation with four types of nucleotides. These nucleotides sit next to each other in pairs. The large number of possible combinations of order for these nucleotides creates the variation in organisms. DNA is a complex structure that is still studied extensively to improve treatments for disease and to understand genetics. Choose a different color of clay to represent each nucleotide: adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine. Roll small worm shapes of each color approximately 1 inch long and 1/4 inch thick. They should be thick enough to insert onto a toothpick. Roll 16 of each kind. Create 32 pairs of nucleotides. Make 16 pairs with adenine on the left and thymine on the right and 16 pairs with guanine on the left and cytosine on the right. Insert each worm onto the appropriate side of the toothpick, and press the clay together in the center. Each end of the toothpick should be visible for approximately 1/4 in
