3D - 2

How do you build a 3D model of DNA?

I have used pipe cleaners, lollie-pop sticks, and fuzzy balls, and they dont work. All I need to build is the outer edge of DNA and the bases. Can you give me some suggestions? we are not aloud to use kits...they have to be things we can buy without the kit

Public Comments

1. Go to http://www.zometool.com/ They have a toy that will allow building that, and any number of polyhedra.
2. See http://www.superdairyboy.com/constructiontoys/Zome.html
3. you can go to an arts and crafts store and they have a kit already set up.. my brother had to do it one time.. go to a Micheal's or something like that... one time i used playdo.. didnt work out too great...
4. If I was you, I would first make a ladder. Use the pipecleaners for the two sides of the ladder, then for the steps of the latter, use the lollie-pop sticks. It would probably be best to use a glue gun, if you have one, since this will make the model stronger. So the lollie-pop sticks will represent the base pairs, and the pipe cleaners will be the DNA backbone. After the ladder is complete, and any glue you have used is dry, you can twist the ladder into its double helix shape. I would make sure that the lollie-pop sticks are spaced out well enough, so that it is easy to twist the pipe cleaners into place after you create the ladder. If you find that the pipecleaners perhaps are too weak to support the entire model, you can always glue several together, so as to add strength to the backbone. Not sure what you would want with the fuzzy balls? Perhaps for decoration to make it look more like a molecule, rather than a twisted ladder.
5. I am a teacher here are some supplies that students have used to build a model: -legos -pipe cleaners....though it can be hard to use the pipe cleaners it does turn out well to use the pipe cleaners as the ladder (use different color pipe cleaners for the ladder to show the lader has the phosphate and sugar)...then use beads to show the bases -wooden blocks (which you can paint one block with different colors on each end to show the different bases) also, unless your model has to stand (or be on a stand) you can always build your double helix and affix your pipe cleaner ends to something like the inside of a show box....then it looks really good because you have a display box for it and it stays twisted and everything HOPE THIS HELPS :)