1. Explain the structure of DNA- use the terms nucleotides, anti-parallel strands, and complimentary base pairing.

DNA (or deoxyribonucleic acid) is essentially a large polymer made up of several nucleotide monomers. The polymer itself consists of two sugar-phosphate “backbones” that operate as anti parallel strands (one strand is inverted to the other strand). DNA is also made up of nucleotide bases; Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C). These nucleotide bases will bond together with hydrogen bonds through complementary base pairing. Bases will bond A to T and G to C.

2. How does this activity help model the structure of DNA? What changes could we make to improve the accuracy of this model? Be detailed and constructive.

This pipecleaner/bead model of DNA is relatively accurate and sufficient in recreating the structure of DNA. The model allows many aspects of the DNA structure to become clear for example the sugar-phosphate “backbone” as well as the complimentary base pairing. To improve the accuracy of this model I would consider using other materials to represent structure replacing the pipeclaners simply due to the fact that they are relatively difficult to work with in such small fragments, however I do understand why pipecleaners were a practical choice. I would also consider indicating the locations of 3’ and 5’ on the model for easier orientation of the model during part B.