Learn about DNA with this fun and edible science project!
Materials
- Liquorice
- Toothpicks
- Soft candy that comes in four different colours (ex. gummy bears, gum drops, or mini marshmallows)
How to Create a Candy DNA Model
Step 1
Separate the candies by colour into 4 sections.
Step 2
Assign each candy to a nucleotide: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine.
Step 3
Use a different coloured candy to represent each. For example, red represents A, blue represents T, green represents C, and yellow represents G.
Step 4
Pair up the candies onto your toothpicks (2 candies per toothpick) Specifically pair up the Adenine and Thymine and the Cytosine and Guanine.
Try this! For an added challenge try to create a specific DNA sequence given below or write out a unique DNA sequence on paper then build it with your candy and liquorice. For whichever sequence you are using, think about what the other strand of DNA would have to be so that the bases are paired together correctly!
- A T T C G G A C T
- C G C C T T A G C
- T A A A C G T A C
Step 5
Now, you will use the Liquorice to represent the DNA backbone (i.e. the sides of the ladder). Lay two pieces of liquorice parallel to one another with space for the toothpicks in between.
Step 6
Link your candy chemical codes to the DNA backbone (liquorice) but insert the ends of the toothpicks into the liquorice. Leave about two centimetres of space between each toothpick with the candy on them.
Step 7
Lastly, DNA is twisted. Therefore, you need to hold one end of your model flat, and carefully flip the other end over to create a twist.
What Shape is DNA?
DNA is a double stranded helix! From your edible model you can notice the two strands of liquorice (“double stranded”) and when you twist it, it creates a spiral or “helical” shape!
What Does DNA Do?
Your DNA sequence tells your body which compounds, called amino acids, to produce. Amino acids are important compounds, so important they are often called “building blocks of life”. There are 20 different amino acids. Your body takes the DNA sequence and turns it into a sequence of amino acids.
How Does DNA Create instructions for All Living Things?
First your DNA sequence is read to produce a sequence of amino acids. This new sequence of amino acids produces specific proteins, proteins and other compounds come together to form cells, cells make up tissues, tissue make up organ systems which in turn creates a living organism like you! Since each DNA sequence is unique, all living things look different!
