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DNA Paper Model

What is DNA?

DNA is perfect for the storage and readout of genetic information. This information is stored in the sequence of Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine - also called A, T, G, and C. Each helix has a backbone made of alternating deoxyribose and phosphate groups.

Readout occurs in the 3’ to 5’ direction, making use of the pairing of bases between the opposing strands of the DNA double helix. In these pairings, A pairs with T and G pairs with C via sets of complementary hydrogen bonds.

The image here shows the folded DNA paper template juxtaposed to an image of DNA from PDB structure 1BNA


Download and fold the PDB-101 DNA paper template

The PDB-101 DNA folding template and folding tutorial are available in English and Spanish. The tutorial contains an introduction to the DNA structure followed by the folding instructions.


DNA template and folding tutorial in English

Screenshot from the English version of the DNA folding tutorial

Download and print the PDF template in English.

DNA template and folding tutorial in Spanish

Screenshot from the Spanish version of the DNA folding tutorial

Download and print the PDF template in Spanish.


Learn more about DNA and access more learning materials in Spanish

Explore all PDB-101 resources about DNA

Explore all PDB-101 resources about the Protein Synthesis

Explore all PDB-101 resources in Spanish