DNA & Nucleotide Modeling: Single Group
This kit is for a single group and combines the activities of two full-class (16 group) kits: #71 DNA Modeling: Molecular Structure & Replication and #513 Nucleotide Modeling: An Introduction to DNA & RNA. In Activity I (from Kit #71) students build models of DNA and use this experience to visualize the structure of DNA molecules as a “twisted ladder” shaped double helix with “side rails” of deoxyribose sugars and phosphate groups and “ladder rungs” consisting of a nitrogen base pair. They also model DNA replication which involves “zipping apart” the “rungs” where the weak hydrogen bonds connect the nitrogen bases. In Activity II (from Kit #513) they use a different modeling set to build molecules of ribose, deoxyribose and five different nitrogen bases while learning about some of the major differences between DNA and RNA.
Details at a Glance
- 3-4 Days | 3-4 ~50 minute class periods
- 2 Activities
- Accommodates unlimited classes, each with 1 group of 2 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- All materials are non-consumable
- Includes digital resources
Scientific Concepts
•DNA molecules have a “twisted ladder” double helix structure.
•Each “ladder rung” consists of a nitrogen base pair (single-ring pyrimidine linked to double-ring purine.)
•The order of these base pair “rungs” determines the genetic code of every living thing.
•DNA molecules replicate by “zipping apart” where the weak hydrogen bonds connect the nitrogen bases.
•DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids but have some significant differences.
•Models help scientists visualize and understand many concepts and processes.
Key Vocabulary: adenine, guanine, purine, thymine, cytosine, hereditary, pyrimidine, uracil, deoxyribose, hydrogen bond, replication, DNA, nucleic acid, ribose, double helix, nucleotide, RNA
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Comprehensive Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis items
- Materials necessary for the investigation (beyond common classroom items)
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 4 Adenine (A) (orange)
- 49 Covalent plastic bonds
- 4 Cytosine (C) (blue)
- 16 Deoxyribose sugar groups (black)
- 4 Guanine (G) (yellow)
- 8 Hydrogen bonds
- 16 Phosphate groups (white tubes)
- 19 Single electron hydrogen atoms (white)
- 10 Carbon (black), tetrahedral centers
- 5 Nitrogen (red), tetrahedral centers
- 11 Oxygen (blue), tetrahedral centers
- 1 Phosphorous (purple), tetrahedral centers
- 4 Thymine (T) (green), tetrahedral centers
- 1 Student Instruction Manual
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