Quick Answer: The DNA Activity Model is a build-it-yourself plastic double helix with colour-coded cytosine, adenine, guanine and thymine bases, phosphate strands and a centre rod representing hydrogen bonds. Assembled, it measures about 130 x 130 x 450 mm on a metal base.
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
Students assemble their own three-dimensional double helix
Colour-coded bases with specially shaped ends for correct base pairing
Connecting phosphate strands and a centre rod representing hydrogen bonds
Can be unzipped to demonstrate DNA replication
Plastic components on a metal base that rotates for display
Building the helix piece by piece shows students how the two strands pair through complementary bases and twist around each other. Unzipping the finished model then lets the class act out how each strand serves as a template during replication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the DNA Activity Model show replication?
Yes. The colour-coded parts can be unzipped to demonstrate DNA replication.