- How are chromosomes, DNA, and genes related to one another
A: DNA, the genetic code for your body, exists as two long, paired strands spiraled into a double helix called a chromosome. They essentially are all the same thing, just in different stages of existence.
2. Explain what the pieces represent
Licorice: The licorice is meant to be the “backbone” of the DNA or the sides of the DNA ladder.
Marshmallows: The marshmallows are meant to be the rungs of the ladder and are there the represent the chemical bases.
3. How did this activity help you understand the structure of DNA?
A: I found it very helpful to create a visual model to further my understanding of how the chemical bases combine with the backbone in order to create the ladder. I didn’t realize that there was actually a name for the shape that DNA was for quite a while. But, this activity helped me understand that all DNA is, is a ladder that is twisted into the easily recognizable double helix shape.
