Genes carry information to cells in your body. In the same way, we are going to create messaes you want your DNA to carry. This message should be something you know to be true about yourself or aspire to be.
Before you get started on building your DNA model, let’s go over the different parts of DNA. The outer part of DNA is called a phosphate. It is the backbone of DNA that provides a structure for DNA and protects the middle portion. The sugar comes next which keeps the DNA structure strong and stable.
The middle portion of DNA has a combination of nitrogen bases. Nitrogen bases tell your body how to look and how to function. There are four types of bases: guanine, cytosine, adenine, and thymine. The bases are typically identified by the first layer of each base. You can remember the nitrogen bases by repeating G C A T. These bases all have a partner that they must stay with to create a nitrogen base pair. G and C must stay together- you can remember the pair by noticing they are curvy letters. A and T must stay together (they have a straight horizontal line.
Now that you know the rules, you can get started on your DNA model by filling in your DNA Structure Card.
After you have filled in your DNA Structure Card, please check that you have the following materials:
- Craft Wire
- Plier
- Bead Set
- Close and Connect Set
- Stop and Secure set
Are they all there? Good. You can get started on creating your DNA model.
