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Make a DNA Model with Gummy Bears and Candy

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In this activity we will make a DNA model with gummy bears and candy. Add this to a DNA extraction activity. Check out our 28+ page lesson on DNA and extracting DNA from a banana.

You might also like to extract DNA from a banana, strawberries or pumpkin. Then, add this DNA card game for a well-rounded, fun, and hands-on DNA study!

Very Basic Background

For a deeper understanding of DNA, the bases, and the base pairs, consider downloading our 28+ page unit authored by Lindsay Zetzsche, founder of Science Geek Games and a genetic counselor by trade. Lindsay includes a DNA extraction activity as well in this printable lesson for upper elementary grades and up.

DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. It’s the special code that tells our bodies and every living thing how to grow, work, and look. DNA is like the instruction manual for all living things!

DNA is found inside the cells of all living things. More specifically, it’s stored in the nucleus of the cell, which is like the control center. (In bacteria and some other simple organisms, it floats around in the cell because they don’t have a nucleus.)

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DNA is made up of smaller building blocks called nucleotides. Each nucleotide has three parts:

  • A sugar molecule
  • A phosphate group
  • A nitrogen base

A DNA strand looks like a twisted ladder. Like a regular ladder, it has two long sides running alongside each other, with steps—called rungs—connecting them. The sides of the DNA ladder are made of two repeating parts: deoxyribose, which is a sugar, and phosphoric acid. These two components alternate all the way down the length of the strand.

The steps, or rungs, of the ladder are formed by organic bases, which connect to the deoxyribose on the rails.

There are four bases in DNA:

  • A = Adenine
  • T = Thymine
  • C = Cytosine
  • G = Guanine

The bases pair up to form the “rungs” of the DNA ladder. They always match in a specific way:

  • A pairs with T
  • C pairs with G
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Each rung is made of a pair of these bases, and they always match in a specific way. Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) always pairs with Guanine (G)—you can remember this with the pairs AT and CG. They also pair as TA and GC

The base pairs link together to form the long spiral-shaped structure of DNA, which looks like a twisted ladder. This shape is called a double helix.

The order of the bases is very important. Changing the order can change the instructions—just like changing the letters in a word can make a new word!

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There is much more to learn about chromosomes, genes, and karyotypes. Request the DNA lesson below, authored by Lindsey Zetzsche, a genetic counselor and founder of Science Geek Games. This resource includes activities, informational reading passages, the activity listed below, and the instructions for extracting DNA from a banana.

In this activity, we will create a DNA model that will help you visualize the structure of our DNA.

Print

Make a DNA Model with Gummy Bears and Candy

The ladder formation of DNA can be seen using an electron microscope. However, when students make a DNA model with gummy bears and candy, they can enjoy a more concrete representation of the DNA ladder-like structure.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Author: Michelle Moody

Materials

Instructions

  • Gather the supplies needed to create edible DNA
    make a DNA model with gummy bears and candy.
  • Separate four colors from the gummy bear candies. Place them into the bowls.
  • Pair two colors together to represent Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine. *Reminder: Adenine and Thymine go together, and Cytosine and Guanine always go together
  • Insert a toothpick through the side of the licorice. Add the first pair of nucleotides A & T, and repeat with another toothpick and a second pair of nucleotides C & G.
    make a DNA model with gummy bears and candy. Place toothpick through candy side of ladder
  • Switching the nucleotides from A & T to T & A and C & G to G & C as you go.
    make a DNA model with gummy bears and candy. close up of an AT and GC pairing
  • Repeat steps 5 and 6.
    make a DNA model with gummy bears and candy.
  • Add a second licorice to complete the double helix.
    make a DNA model with gummy bears and candy. finished project

Download the DNA Lesson Printable Worksheets

We have prepared a 30+ page printable lesson to use when your students make a DNA model with gummy bears and candy. Use this printable with a wide range of grades (upper elementary and up.) You’ll be added to our email community.

Additional Activities & Resources

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