DNAgo: The Building Blocks of DNA (DIGITAL DOWNLOAD)

Hits the standard: HS-LS1-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
Lesson Brief: The DNAgo model is an intuitive model of how DNA is assembled from component molecules to encode genetic information. It serves several purposes. It shows how the 4 base pairs and the double helix scaffold are not molecularly complex by having the 5 different atoms involved labeled. The DNAgo model is more intuitive than a traditional ball-and-stick molecular model because the 6 individual molecules are shown as complete sub-units with the bonds between these represented. This allows students to form an intuitive mental model of how DNA encodes information.

The model may be used to show students the 6 different sub-units in DNA. These can then be assembled into the helix scaffold before showing how the monomers bond to the scaffold and are paired with their matching monomers (i.e., arginine with thymine, cytosine with guanine).