How to Make a DNA Model Using Beads
An easy way to create a model of a double helix (DNA) is with beads. Beads are a great medium to create with due to their durability, flexibility and variety. With a little planning you can create anything out of beads. This pattern can be adjusted to make any size model, but for these purposes it will create a model about a foot long, and roughly six inches wide.
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Things You'll Need
- Clear and black bugle beads
- 4 colors of bugle beads
- White bugle beads
- Beading wire
- Scissors or wire cutters
- Thread
- Beading needle
Instructions
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Build a DNA Model Using Beads
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1
Assign names to the colored bugle beads. To keep these instructions clear they are named as follows: purple-adenine (A), blue-thymine (T), yellow-cytosine (C), and orange-guanine (G).
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2
Pair each of the nucleotide bases with the one they pair with naturally: adenine would pair with thymine, and cytosine would pair with guanine, or A with T and C with G. This will keep the model as anatomically correct as possible, as the colors are representative of the bases that make up the code in DNA.
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3
Assign names to the black, clear and white bugle beads. To keep the instructions clear they are named as follows: black is the sugar deoxyribose, and clear is the phosphate groups. The white beads are representative of the hydrogen bonds that release to allow the DNA to replicate.
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4
String four clear beads, then four black beads; each block of four is one set. String the bugle beads on the wire, in groups of four, in alternating colors ending on each end with a set of four clear beads. Make two equal length poles. Leave enough excess wire at each end to wrap together, and secure the beads in place.
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5
Wrap the ends of the two poles together to create a sturdy carrying point.
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6
Lay out the black-and-clear poles you created, and begin to attach the nucleotide bases. To do this, thread the needle, tying a knot in the bottom of the thread so it does not slip through the bugle bead. Go through the bottom of the set of four clear beads, from the bottom up.
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7
Make the nucleotide bases by threading on four purple beads, one white bead and four blue beads on the needle. You are making the 'rungs' of the ladder. Thread the needle through one set of four black beads and one set of four clear beads, beginning at the second from the bottom set on the opposite pole you just exited.
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8
Exiting the set of four clear beads, thread on four yellow beads, one white bead, and four orange beads. Thread the needle through one set of four black beads and one set of four clear beads on the opposite pole you just exited. Complete the rest of the ladder in an alternating pattern until you reach the top. Tie off your thread so as to not lose your work.
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9
Twist the ladder counter-clockwise and you have a double helix fit for a science project.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make the nucleotide bases with wire to make the structure more sturdy.
Keep your work tight during the assembly to prevent making any sagging points in the model.
