Building a Model of DNA

In class, we built models of DNA. We began by cutting out the nitrogen bases (A,T,C,G) and matching them up correctly with each other. A went to T and C paired with G. We then matched the 3' with correct side and the 5' as well. These 3' and 5' represent the different carbons since the deoxyribose sugar in DNA in a pentose sugar, which means it has 5 carbons. The 3' has a hydroxyl group (OH) which is polar and attracts molecules. The 5' side is a phosphate (PO4) group. The nucleotides include the nitrogen bases, the phosphate, and the deoxyribose sugar. Then we drew the appropriate hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases. A-T has 2 H bonds, whereas C-G has 3. To end class, we cut one H bond to symbolize the beginning of DNA replication that will occur next time.