DNA Model Project

Most living organisms have DNA in their cells, which is a hereditary material consisting of information that makes them unique from others. It is one of the important concepts in science education. Though it is a vast concept, introduce kids to learning the basic structure and function of DNA. To help them learn the concept, you can conduct science experiments for kids. They can work on a DNA model project for their school curriculum. To make an easy DNA model project, you need nothing more than the materials found at home, such as beads, wires, toothpicks, etc. 

Contents

• What is DNA?
• Fun Facts about DNA
• Easy Science Project: DNA Model Project
• Aim of the Project
• Materials Required
• Procedure
• Result
• Benefits of DNA Model Project
• Frequently Asked Questions on DNA Model Project

Before creating a 3D DNA model project, you must explain DNA to children effectively. A DNA model project is a great way to teach the structure of DNA to kids. Learning about DNA helps kids in elementary school to boost their performance in the subject and develop a scientist in them. Though you get many models on DNA in the market, creating a homemade model adds fun elements to the kids’ learning environment. They would enjoy learning and making a model that gives information about the genetic materials found in the cells. 

What is DNA?

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a genetic material found in living organisms. It carries genetic information in the form of a double-helix structure. The DNA molecule is made up of nucleotides, and each nucleotide is composed of sugar molecules, phosphate groups and nitrogenous bases; Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G) and Cytosine (C).  Among these nitrogenous bases, Adenine and Guanine are purines, and Cytosine and Thymine are pyrimidines. These base pairs are connected by hydrogen bonds. The two strands of a double-helix DNA consist of the same information that it replicates when it separates from each other. The DNA is located in the nucleus of a cell, but some are also found in the mitochondria. The nucleotides consist of bases that pair with each other such as A = T and C = G. 

A double-helix DNA molecule is a twisted ladder-like structure that consists of base pairs attached to the sugar-phosphate backbone. The DNA molecule was discovered by Watson and Crick. One strand of double-helix DNA is complementary to the other strand. Each strand starts with 5’ and ends with 3’. The strands of double-helix DNA can be separated during the process of DNA replication. Some of the functions of DNA are mentioned below:

• It stores genetic information in the DNA required for growth, development and reproduction.
• It undergoes DNA replication where two strands of DNA molecule are separated with identical information. 
• It passes genetic material from parent to offspring and plays a vital role in synthesizing proteins. 
• It is also involved in transcription, DNA fingerprinting, gene therapy, etc.

Fun Facts about DNA

Check out some of the exciting facts about DNA given below:

• It is found in all eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
• There are three types of DNA; A-DNA, B-DNA and Z-DNA.
• It is responsible for storing genetic information in organisms.
• The length of the DNA helix is 3.4 nm, and the distance between two base pairs is 0.34 nm.
• 96 percent of the DNA is shared with Chimpanzees and Gorillas. 
• DNA is made up of four letters of the alphabet; A, T, C, and G. 
• Humans share around 85 percent of DNA with mice. 

• Around 99.9 percent of DNA is similar to someone else’s. 

Easy Science Project: DNA Model Project 

To help children understand the structure and function of DNA, you must assist them with a DNA model project. You can create a double helix DNA structure with the help of materials found at home. With this, kids can understand the components and functions of the DNA molecule clearly. You need to assign an easy DNA model project so that kids can understand and perform every step that you instruct. Let us check out the 3D DNA model project for kids given below.

Aim of the Project 

To make a DNA model using beads and wires at home or in the classroom.

Materials Required

• Two white color  wires 
• Yellow, black, red and blue color beads
• A few toothpicks
• A marker
• Nylon threads 

Procedure 

• Take two white color wires of equal length and mark 5’ and 3’ at each end of the wire. Place the wires opposite each other. For example, 5’ and 3’ should be at the top and 3’ and 5’ at the bottom. 
• Take a few toothpicks and insert beads of blue and red in one toothpick, followed by yellow and black in another toothpick. 
• Write first letters of the nitrogenous bases on the beads. For example, G, C, A, and T are red, blue, black, and yellow beads, respectively. 
• Take red and blue color beads and insert them in the toothpick. Then, take yellow and black color beads and insert them in another toothpick. Similarly, make such toothpicks inserted with beads of red and blue followed by yellow and black. 
• Then, take the first toothpick with red and blue beads and insert it between the two wires, followed by yellow and black beads. 
• Continue the process till you finish the end of the wires. 
• Finally, twist the wires gently to give the appearance of a ladder-like structure.

Result

The double-helix structure of a DNA molecule consists of sugar, phosphate and nitrogenous bases linked with each other by hydrogen bonds. In this experiment, you’ll find the red, blue, yellow and black are the nitrogenous bases connected with wires which are the sugar-phosphate backbone. This is an easy DNA model project for kids to do at home and help them understand the structure of DNA easily. 

Benefits of DNA Model Project 

• It helps children understand the structure of the double-helical structure of DNA molecules. 
• Enables children to perform and make a DNA model with the help of materials found at home.
• Develops creativity and visualization skills in children while working on DNA model projects.
• It creates a fun and entertaining atmosphere for children to learn and understand the DNA molecule easily. 
• Enables children to understand the exciting facts about DNA molecules. 
• Increase knowledge about the structure and function of DNA found in all living organisms.
• Creates interest among children to learn about DNA creatively.

To know more information, explore science games for kids, STEM activities for kids in the kids learning section at Osmo.

Frequently Asked Questions on DNA Model Project