DNA/RNA Building Set/Transcription and Translation Model

myminifactory

Human: **See video to view the kit in action!** This set lets students learn about DNA and RNA by playing with blocks and modeling processes involving DNA, as described below Each nucleotide block shows its base's letter symbol and shape (either purine or pyrimidine) The posts and holes at the top of each piece represent hydrogen bond donors and acceptors based on their number and type These determine which bases pair in a DNA molecule Nucleotide blocks link together to form the DNA or RNA backbone, with tops connecting to show hydrogen bonding with complementary strands Blocks are designed so that only correct pairs can connect (A with T, A with U, G with C) Kids learn about DNA structure and base pairing just by figuring out how blocks fit together without prior instruction The kit includes tRNA models for showing transcription and translation processes After making a double-stranded DNA model, strands can be split to build a complementary mRNA strand substituting uracil for thymine This mRNA strand is then removed Anticodons on tRNA models are customized by inserting three nucleotide blocks pairing with the sequence on the mRNA strand Each anticodon matches an amino acid block linked to the top of the tRNA model The tRNA models can be bound to the mRNA strand and amino acid blocks linked to form a protein (See video for how this sequence works) The kit also teaches DNA mutations such as deletions, insertions, and frame-shifts affecting the final amino acid sequence for the coded protein A blocking group is included to demonstrate DNA sequencing