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The Classic DNA Model
The classic classroom DNA model consists of Styrofoam or clay - such as Play-Doh - balls and double-end toothpicks. Other materials you̵7;ll need for this project include a laboratory stand, paint, glue and string. Assign individual colors for each type of molecule. Varying the ball sizes between the sugar and phosphate is also a good idea. Begin by spearing the balls representing bases together with a toothpick (note proper pairing) and attach a deoxyribose ball at either end. You now have a sugar-base-base-sugar skewer. Make several of these. Arrange your skewers in a spiral going round the stand, one on top of the other, with phosphate balls in between each deoxyribose ball in the rails. Use glue and string to reinforce the structure as you go.
Pasta-and-Pipe-Cleaner DNA Model
For this DNA model, you̵7;ll need some wagon wheel and ziti pasta, four different colors of chenille stems (pipe cleaners), string, scissors and paint (optional). The wagon wheel pasta will represent the phosphate groups, while ziti represents deoxyribose. You can paint each pasta type a different color if you please. Start building your two rails by stringing up wagon wheel pasta and ziti alternately over a length of string (make each rail about 2 feet long). Next, make your base pairs by cutting your chenille stems into four-inch pieces and twisting the ends of the right bases together. Glue or tie the ends of each base pair to a piece of ziti on either rail. Finally, attach the model to a stand, taking care to preserve the ladder structure as you twist.
The Sweetest DNA Model Ever
You can tell that this candy DNA model is going to be a class favorite. You̵7;ll need red and black licorice sticks for your DNA-and-phosphate rungs. For your bases, use gum drops, Gummi Bears, marshmallows, or jelly beans in four distinct colors. You̵7;ll also need toothpicks and fishing line or string. Again, use toothpicks to spear your base pairs together, with the toothpicks̵7; points sticking out at either end of the skewer. Next, cut up your licorice into short lengths and string them up, alternating colors. Build your ladder by spearing deoxyribose licorice on either rail on the ends of each skewer. Twist the ladder carefully, and secure to a base.
Other Materials
You can use many other materials for your DNA model. Your own imagination will be your limit. A few examples are costume jewelry beads, drinking straws, recycled soda cans and bottles, and construction paper. Painted/dyed tongue depressors or ice cream sticks also work well, and last for quite a while. Also, consider using small fruits and vegetables. Baby tomatoes, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, olives, and several other items from the fresh produce section are perfect for an edible DNA model.