In the DNA model we built the yellow licorice represents the double helix backbones in the actual DNA molecule. In real DNA molecules, the backbones are made of sugar and phosphate. The different coloured marshmallows in the DNA model we built represents the 4 nitrogen containing bases in the real DNA molecule. Guanine (G) = Green marshmallow, Cytosine (C) = Pink marshmallow, Adenine (A) = Yellow marshmallow, Thymine (T) = Orange marshmallow. The toothpicks were not intended to represent something in the DNA molecule, but only to bond the marshmallows and licorice. The order of the bases provide instructions for the cells activities. The bases always pair onto the backbone in a certain way, (A) pairs with (T) using a double bond and (C) pairs with (G) using a triple bond. This ensures that the message on the left side of DNA is a mirror image of the message on the right. The pair of the bases fit together much like puzzle pieces.

This activity gave me a further understanding of DNA. Physically matching the bases helped me remember the base names, letters and also their pairings. This had definitely been one of the more beneficial activities with a hands on approach that I have done.