Create a DNA model you can eat!

What is DNA? What is its Structure?
DNA is an abbreviation that stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is present in all living things. Also, the structure of the DNA molecule is the same in all living things. When isolated from a cell and stretched out, DNA looks like a twisted ladder (double helix). The sides of the DNA ladder are called the backbone and the rungs of the ladder are pairs of small chemicals called bases.

There are 4 chemical bases in DNA:

Adenine (A)

Thymine (T)

Guanine (G)

Cytosine (C)


A always binds with T, and G with C

Materials Needed

Licorice
(Sugar/phosphate backbone)

Coloured Marshmallows or fruit
(Chemical bases)

Toothpicks
(Bonds between bases and backbone)

DNA code in marshmallows:

Guanine (G) = Green Marshmallow

Adenine (A) = Yellow Marshmallow

Cytosine (C) = Pink Marshmallow    

Thymine (T) = Orange Marshmallow



Or a healthier alternative:

Guanine (G) = Green Grape

Adenine (A) = Yellow Pineapple

Cytosine (C) = Purple Grape

Thymine (T) = Red Strawberry

Create one DNA strand by attaching the marshmallows with the toothpicks to one licorice stick.

Place toothpicks into the licorice

Push the marshmallow or fruit through each toothpick close to the licorice, leaving enough room for the second matching DNA strand
to be attached

For the adventurous… create the following DNA strand: T A C G T A T G A A A C

Step Two

Add the matching base pairs.

Do you remember how the base pairs partner up?

Step Three

Complete your DNA model.

Attach the other backbone (licorice) so your model looks like a ladder.

Step Four

Carefully twist your DNA model so that it looks like a
double helix.

Enjoy!

Download an Activity Sheet with Pictures

The above activity is fun for all ages.
It is particularly useful in younger grades, including  9 & 10, to introduce various discussions about DNA.