Name__________________________________________Date_______________ Hour______ Table #_____
DNA Model Lab
There are only 4 nucleotides in DNA, Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C). The
chemical structures of Thymine and Cytosine are smaller, while those of Adenine and Guanine are
larger. Size and structure of the specific nucleotides cause Adenine and Thymine to always pair
together while Cytosine and Guanine always pair together. Therefore the two strands of DNA are
considered complimentary.
The nucleotides are like letters in the 'genetic language'. Just as we use letters to make words with
meaning, the order of the nucleotides on a DNA strand codes information. They make 'words' that
tell the cell how to make each protein. Furthermore, the genetic language is a universal language.
Every living organism uses the same nucleotide combinations to code for its genetic information.
This characteristic is important in genetic engineering. It allows the transfer of genetic information
from one species to another while maintaining its meaning.
Building the DNA Model
Base
A = red
Procedures:
colors:
T = green
1. Gather materials: 1.5 inch strips of orange paper, Several 3 X 3
C =yellow
squares of blue, green, red, and yellow paper, clear tape and
G = blue
scissors.
2. Fold an orange strip of paper in half along the long side. Lay the orange strip vertically on the
table.
3. Collect the colored squares needed to copy the DNA pattern assigned to your
group.
4. Roll each of the 3 X 3 squares of paper so that they are all the same thickness
and use a small piece of tape to hold the rolls together.
5. Each color of rolled paper represents a specific nucleotide. Evenly
space/arrange the rolls of paper in order from top to bottom for your groups
assigned DNA pattern along the right facing open orange strip of paper. (Make
sure that the rolls are not too close to the ends of the strip or too close together.)
6. Flatten the end of the colored roll that is inside the flap.
7. Tape the colored paper rolls one at a time in the correct DNA pattern.
8. Tape the orange strip closed at the open edge.
9. Repeat steps 2- 8 to create a complimentary pattern of DNA along another
orange strip. This time with the fold left facing. The base pairs should match up
when the strip is lined up parallel to the first strip
10. Attach the matching base pairs in the center with tape.
.
Name__________________________________________Date_______________ Hour______ Table #_____
Group One
A
DNA Model Group Patterns
C
T
1.Use the patterns on this page to make your group’s model.
2.On all of the models on this page, color the base color for all of the groups DNA
C patterns.
3. Label and color the complimentary base pairs.
A
Base
colors:
Group Two
T
G
A = red
T = green
C =yellow
G = blue
A
G
C
Group Three
Group Four
T
A
T
C
G
A
T
A
G
G
C
A
T
A
C
A
G
C
A
C
G
C
T
G
C
A
T
C
C
A
Group Five
Group Six
T
G
Group Seven
A
C
T
C
G
A
T
G
G
T
T
G
C
G
G
A
A
G
G
G
A
T
C
T
G
C
C
C
T