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A Unique Demonstration Model of DNA

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Jonathan P. L. Cox

Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom

J. Chem. Educ., 2006, 83 (9), p 1319

DOI: 10.1021/ed083p1319

Publication Date (Web): September 1, 2006

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

I describe a physical demonstration model of DNA for the classroom. The model comprises two types of building block that fit together through complementary shape interactions and are held in place by magnets. These building blocks, which represent the purine and pyrimidine bases of DNA, can be put together rapidly (about a minute) to produce an abstract structure that portrays several of the gross architectural features of idealized B-DNA. Thus the model is a right-handed double helix whose strands run in opposite directions and has major and minor grooves. The blocks that form the base-pair units do so specifically. These units lie perpendicular to the helical axis, there are 10 base-pair units per turn, and any sequence can be built with them. Crucially, unlike any other demonstration model currently available, the model can be replicated in situ. It is also self-supporting. The model should complement the currently available resources for teaching the structure and function of DNA.

Keywords (Audience):

Elementary / Middle School Science

Keywords (Domain):

Biochemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Molecular Biology

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

DNA Structure and Supercoiling: Ribbons and a Yo-Yo Model
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- DNA Structure and Supercoiling: Ribbons and a Yo-Yo Model
  J. David Van Horn
  Journal of Chemical Education2011 88 (9), 1264-1267
  The double-helical structure of DNA is a pop cultural icon. Images of the DNA molecule appear in newspapers, popular journals, and advertisements. In addition to scientific instrument sales, the aura surrounding the central molecule of life has been used ...
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