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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > September  >
In the Classroom
A Unique Demonstration Model of DNA
Jonathan P. L. Cox
Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
Cover
September 2006
Vol. 83 No. 9
p. 1319
Abstract
I describe a physical demonstration model of DNA for the classroom. The model comprises two types of building block that fit together through complementary shape interactions and are held in place by magnets. These building blocks, which represent the purine and pyrimidine bases of DNA, can be put together rapidly (about a minute) to produce an abstract structure that portrays several of the gross architectural features of idealized B-DNA. Thus the model is a right-handed double helix whose strands run in opposite directions and has major and minor grooves. The blocks that form the base-pair units do so specifically. These units lie perpendicular to the helical axis, there are 10 base-pair units per turn, and any sequence can be built with them. Crucially, unlike any other demonstration model currently available, the model can be replicated in situ. It is also self-supporting. The model should complement the currently available resources for teaching the structure and function of DNA.
Supplement
Details of how to construct the blocks, templates for fabricating the model's blocks from plastic, and video clips demonstrating assembly and replication of the model are available.
*  Contents Folder JCE2006p1319W containing JCE2006p1319W.doc (Microsoft Word), JCE2006p1319W.wmv (Windows Media Player) and six image files.
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*  Citation
 Cox, Jonathan P. L. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 1319.
*  Keywords
 Biochemistry; Curriculum; Demonstrations; Elementary / Middle School Science; First-Year Undergraduate / General; General Public; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Humor / Puzzles / Games; Inquiry-Based / Discovery Learning; Molecular Biology; Nucleic Acids / DNA / RNA; Public Understanding / Outreach; Student-Centered Learning
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 8/7/2006
8/10/2006
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