Abstract: A dynamic DNA model and DNA model kit that is based on the atomic coordinates of double-stranded DNA, but can be easily untwisted to form a flattened 2-D ladder structure. Once untwisted, the two strands of DNA can be easily “unzipped” to create single-stranded DNA templates that can be used to demonstrate the processes of DNA replication and transcription. The model and kit include two joints that allow the DNA model to be dynamically transformed from its helical arrangement into a straight ladder-like arrangement, with parallel base pairs and anti-parallel “backbones.” One joint is a pin joint, having rotation about one axis, and translation along that axis. The second joint can be a “compound” joint having multiple degrees of freedom at different points; or, it can be simplified to a single rotation axis with a separate translation axis.

Abstract: A dynamic DNA model and DNA model kit that is based on the atomic coordinates of double-stranded DNA, but can be easily untwisted to form a flattened 2-D ladder structure. Once untwisted, the two strands of DNA can be easily “unzipped” to create single-stranded DNA templates that can be used to demonstrate the processes of DNA replication and transcription. The model and kit include two joints that allow the DNA model to be dynamically transformed from its helical arrangement into a straight ladder-like arrangement, with parallel base pairs and anti-parallel “backbones.” One joint is a pin joint, having rotation about one axis, and translation along that axis. The second joint can be a “compound” joint having multiple degrees of freedom at different points; or, it can be simplified to a single rotation axis with a separate translation axis.