How Do You Make A DNA Model Using Pipe Cleaners?
DNA is one of the basic building blocks of all life. Through instructions encoded by just four chemical symbols, cells can combine to form astoundingly complex life forms with unique traits. With modern genetics rapidly unraveling the mysteries of DNA, it is more important than ever for students to learn how it works. Step 1 Learn about basic structure of DNA. DNA is a double helix–basically, a twisted ladder shape. The actual genetic code is expressed by four molecular codon: adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine, which we will call A, T, G and C. The codons are always in pairs; A is with T, and G is with C. The pairs are the rungs of the ladder attached to the DNA “backbone.” Step 2 Decide which colors represent which part of the DNA molecule. In this article, we will make the backbone out of white pipe cleaner and use red ones for A, blue for T, green for G and yellow for C. Step 3 Make two chains of white pipe cleaners. Twist the ends together so that they are securely attached.
