- Explain the structure of DNA- use the terms nucleotides, antiparallel strands, and complementary base pairing.
DNA, short for Deoxyribonucleic acid, is an acid that is a double helix shape. It is made up of molecules called nucleotides. The ‘backbone’ strand is on the sides of the double helix. Each contains an alternating phosphate and sugar group, with a nitrogen base. If you think of DNA as a ladder, the sugar groups are the outside part, which are each separated by a phosphate group between each. Each strand of the ‘sides’ of the ladder are anti parallel. One end begins with a phosphate, and one begins with the sugar. There are four types of nucleotide nitrogen bases that then connect these sugar groups to each backbone, which represent the ‘rungs’. These groups are; adenine(A), guanine(G), thymine(T), and cytosine(C). Each of these groups pairs with another group(A with T, G with C).
- 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 activity helps model DNA because it gives a hands on 3D structure that can be used to better understand the whole structure. This also helps with understanding the parts of DNA, such as phosphate groups, sugar groups, and complementary base pairing. This model could be improved by using objects that are closer to the form of an actual DNA molecule, such as the nitrogen bases. The shape of the double helix could also be improved by using a structure that isn’t as fragile as pipe cleaner, making it easier to twist into shape.
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