How to Make a DNA Molecule With Hangers

DNA molecules form a distinctive double-helix structure.

The genes that mold us are made of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA. This building block of the human body is a fundamental part of heredity, as children receive DNA from each of their parents when they are conceived. The DNA molecules form a double-helix structure, twisting around each other and connected by a series of nucleotides, or bases. Students can create a DNA model using wire hangers, shaping them into the famous double helix.

Things You'll Need

• 2 hangers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Wire cutters
• PVC pipe, 3-inch diameter -- 18 inches long
• PVC pipe, 2-inch diameter -- 18 inches long
• Pipe cleaners -- in four different colors
• File (optional)

Instructions

1. Unwind two metal hangers using a pair of pliers until you have two straight pieces of wire. The simplest way is to grip the part of each hanger that is wrapped around the neck with the pliers and untwist it, and then straighten out the wire.

2. Wrap one piece of wire around a 3-inch-diameter PVC pipe to create a spiral simulating those in the double helix. Wrap the other piece around a 2-inch-diameter PVC pipe to create a second spiral. Slide both pipes out from inside the spirals, and cut the strands to equal length with wire cutters. If necessary, file the ends of the wires smooth for safety.

3. Place the smaller-diameter piece of wire inside the larger one, and line them up so they are parallel.

4. Connect the two pieces of wire using colored pipe cleaners, wrapping one end of the pipe cleaner around each wire so that the pipe cleaner is parallel to the ground. The double-helix structure should resemble a spiral staircase, with the wire hangers as the sides and the pipe cleaners as the steps. Use four different colors to represent the four bases that make up the nucleotides. The colors can be used randomly to represent each person's distinctive genetic pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercise proper safety precautions when using wire cutters or other tools.

References

• University of Utah: Build a DNA Molecule
• World of Molecules: The DNA Molecule