Modeling the Structure of DNA

Screenshot displaying a section of paper DNA double helix
Topic
Resource Type
Level
High School — AP/IBCollege
Description

In this activity, students build a paper model of DNA and use their model to explore key structural features of the DNA double helix. This activity can be used to complement the short film The Double Helix.

Students use paper nucleotides printed on card stock to build a single-stranded DNA sequence assigned by their instructor. They then use the rules of base complementarity to construct a second strand and generate a three-dimensional double helix. Through building and observing this model, students explore the basic structure of phosphodiester bonds, base pairs, the spatial relationships among the components of nucleotides in DNA, and the antiparallel nature of the double helix. Written and video instructions describe each step of the model building process.

You can download six videos (bundled as a ZIP file) to see how to build the DNA model, or you can stream them from YouTube via the links below:

Student Learning Targets
  • Build a physical model of the DNA double helix.
  • Use a model of DNA to explore and describe key structural features of the molecule.
     
Details
Estimated Time
One to two 50-minute class periods, depending on the amount of work assigned as homework.
Key Terms

deoxyribose, double helix, genetics, model, nitrogenous base, nucleotide, phosphate, phosphodiester bond

Primary Literature

Franklin, Rosalind E. and R. G. Gosling. “Molecular Configuration in Sodium Thymonucleate.” Nature 171, 4356 (1953): 740–741. https://doi.org/10.1038/171740a0. 

Watson, J. D. and F. H. C. Crick. “Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid.” Nature 171, 4356 (1953): 737–738. https://doi.org/10.1038/171737a0. 

Wilkins, M. H. F., A. R. Stokes, and H. R. Wilson. “Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: Molecular Structure of Deoxypentose Nucleic Acids.” Nature 171, 4356 (1953): 738–740. https://doi.org/10.1038/171738a0.

Terms of Use

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Accessibility Level

This resource and the accompanying documents comply with accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Created
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS3-1

AP Biology (2015)

3.A.1, 4.A.1; SP1

IB Biology (2016)

2.6, 7.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9–12.3

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2

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