DNA Paper Model

Students cut, arrange, and assemble paper templates of sugars, phosphates, and nitrogen bases to construct a model of DNA. The activity reinforces the structure of DNA, base pairing rules, and the appearance of the double helix.

1. Cut out the provided paper templates of sugars, phosphates, and bases.
2. Lay out all pieces before gluing or taping them together to ensure correct placement.
3. Attach bases to sugars by matching dots, phosphates to sugars by matching squares, and phosphates to sugars by matching stars.
4. Assemble bases into correct pairs (A with T, G with C) to form rungs of the ladder.
5. Tape or glue the components into strands of DNA.
6. Combine group strands into a longer class DNA molecule.
7. [Optional] Twist the model into a helix and display it in the classroom.

DNA Paper Cut Out Activity - Julian Buss:

📄 DNA Paper Model Activity - Karen Mayes: https://smithsworldofscience.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/5/5/10557615/dna_model_parts_for_your_presentation.pdf

• Create longer DNA strands by giving each group more bases, sugars, and phosphates.
• Assign groups to connect their strands into one continuous classroom DNA molecule.
• Use color-coded paper to highlight base-pair matching.

• Scissors should be handled carefully.
• Glue and tape should be used responsibly to avoid mess or skin contact irritation.

• What base does adenine pair with? (Thymine)
• What base does guanine pair with? (Cytosine)
• What is the shape of the DNA molecule? (Double helix or twisted ladder)
• What are the three components of a nucleotide? (Sugar, phosphate, nitrogen base)
• What is the sugar molecule in DNA called? (Deoxyribose)
• If one strand has the sequence AGCTCAG, what is the complementary strand? (TCGAGTC)
• If a DNA double helix has 45 cytosines in 100 base pairs, how many adenines are there? (55)