DNA MODEL INSTRUCTIONS
Due Date _______________ . Counts as ONE TEST grade in the 3rd 6 weeks!!!!!
You will build a 3-D double helix (twisted) model of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid.
Dimensions: NO TALLER than 12 inches when mounted on a base. The maximum size
of the base is 8 inches by 8 inches. Smaller is better.
Use 3 dimensional objects. (No pieces of paper glued to a form) Items you may use are
coat hanger wire, wire, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, beads, tinker toys, soda straws, wood,
etc. NO TAPE!!! NO STYROFOAM!!!! You may not use a purchased DNA model kit.
DO NOT USE ANY FOOD PRODUCTS!!!!!!!!! No cereal, candy, pasta, rice, etc. Use of
food will result in an immediate 50 point deduction in grade points. You do not have to
spend a lot of money on this project. Be creative.
Your model must include a minimum of 5 rungs made up of nucleotides. Each nucleotide
must have a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogen base represented by different
colored objects. Nitrogen bases must be bonded to the appropriate complementary base
on the other side of the helix. You must have each of the four bases represented. The
two sides should be twisted to look like a double helix. Use Figure 12-7 on page 294 as
a reference.
Hints for color-coding: all 10 sugars should be the same color, all 10 phosphates should
be the same color, and each of the four nitrogen bases should have their own color.
Together you should have 6 different colors. Again, use Figure 12-7 on page 294 as a
reference.
Include a properly labeled, color-coded key at the base of your double helix along with an
example of one complete nucleotide. List the correct names with the correct spelling of
the deoxyribose sugar, each nitrogen base and the phosphates. Use NO abbreviations.
Neatness AND stability of the model on its base counts. Print your name and class
period on the underside of the base.
The grade sheet printed on the back of these instructions must be turned in with your
project.
Project is due ________________ Late projects are NOT accepted! Be responsible
and turn your project in early for extra points.
NOTE: There are two different bases referred to in these instructions. One refers to
base pairs and the other is the base of your project. Please be sure you know the
difference.
Projects will not be returned!!!!!!
Due Date ____________
DNA MODEL GRADE SHEET
Excellent
Not Present
Height 12” or less
3
0
Base 8” x 8” or less
3
0
3
0
Twisted double helix
5
3-D objects, no paper, no tape,
no Styrofoam
10
8
6
4
2
0
Complete nucleotides with
5 complete rungs- MINIMUM of:
10 sugar, 10 phosphates, 10 nitrogen bases
15
12
9
6
3
0
Bases attached to sugars
5
4
3
2
1
0
Proper base bonding combinations
for all 5 rungs
10
8
6
4
2
0
Different colors for each specific part
12
9
6
3
1
0
Color Coded key – on top of base
Properly labeled & spelled,
12
9
6
3
1
0
One example of a single nucleotide
5
Neatness of model
5
4
3
2
1
0
Neatness of label
5
4
3
2
1
0
Stability of model
5
4
3
2
1
0
Grade sheet
5
0
0
Rubric points _______________________
Bonus points_______________________
+5 Bonus date__________
+4 Bonus date__________
+3 Bonus date__________
+2 Bonus date__________
+1 Bonus date__________
Total points________________________
Name________________________ Class_________