Skip to main content
Toggle User Menu

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Español
  • Search
  • Log In/Create Account
  • Classroom Resources
  • Planning Tools
  • Professional Development
  • About Us

Modeling the Structure of DNA

Screenshot displaying a section of paper DNA double helix
Topic
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • Macromolecules
  • DNA & RNA
  • Science Practices
  • Models & Simulations
Resource Type
  • Activities
  • Labs & Demos
Level
High School — AP/IBCollege
Favorited By
32 Users
Share This
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:

  • Part 1: Preparing the Nucleotides
  • Part 2: Folding the Nucleotides
  • Part 3: Making a Strand of DNA
  • Part 4: Practicing Base-Pairing
  • Part 5: Building a Double Helix
  • Part 6: Expanding the Helix

The “Resource Google Folder” link directs to a Google Drive folder of resource documents in the Google Docs format. Not all downloadable documents for the resource may be available in this format. The Google Drive folder is set as “View Only”; to save a copy of a document in this folder to your Google Drive, open that document, then select File → “Make a copy.” These documents can be copied, modified, and distributed online following the Terms of Use listed in the “Details” section below, including crediting BioInteractive.

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

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

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 Published 11.07.19
Date Updated 04.09.20
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS3-1

AP Biology (2019)

IST-1.K, IST-1.L, IST-1.M, SYI-1.B; SP2

IB Biology (2016)

2.6, 7.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9–12.3

Vision and Change (2009)

CC2

Materials
Resource Google Folder (Link)
Educator Materials (PDF) 761 KB
Student Handout (PDF) 4 MB
Paper Nucleotides Sheet (JPG) 170 KB
Video Instructions (ZIP) 252 MB
Additional Materials
  • two copies of the paper nucleotides sheet, printed on heavy card stock, per student
  • scissors
  • colored pencils, markers, or crayons
  • ruler
  • access to the video instructions (optional, but recommended)
     

Explore Related Content

Other Related Resources
Showing of
3D Models
BCR-ABL
3D Models
Gleevec-Resistant BCR-ABL
3D Models
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
Animations
How DNA Is Packaged
Animations
Translation (Basic Detail)
Animations
Translation (Advanced Detail)
Short Films
The Double Helix
Film Activities
Activity for The Double Helix
Click & Learn
The p53 Gene and Cancer
Animations
Triplet Code

HHMI BioInteractive

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Newsletter Signup
  • HHMI.org
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy