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.

Abstract: A molecular modeling kit including a three-dimensional body providing a physical representation of at least one atom. The three-dimensional body can define a cavity and include a self-reorienting magnet at least partially disposed in the cavity. The magnet can be configured to realign relative to the cavity when in proximity with a second magnet such that magnetic poles of the self-reorienting magnet and the second magnet are aligned for attraction. The second magnet can be external to the three-dimensional body.

Abstract: Three-dimensional models of molecules, including proteins, and molecular model construction kits, including an alpha helix construction kit, a beta sheet construction kit, and a nucleic acid construction kit. The three-dimensional models of molecules include one or more elongated tubular strands representing alpha carbons and the bonds between the alpha carbons. The alpha helix and beta sheet construction kits include amino acid backbone units, hydrogen bond units, and side chain units. The nucleic acid construction kits include base units, hydrogen bond units, sugar units, and phosphate units.

Abstract: A solid free form model of a complex structure, such as a molecular structure, and a method of making such a model. The model includes a first elongated strand extending along a first path corresponding to the locations of selected elements to represented, a second elongated strand extending along a second path spaced from the first path and a connecting leg extending between the first and second strands along a path corresponding to the vector along which a force, such as a hydrogen bond, acts on the modeled elements.

Abstract: Three-dimensional models of molecules, including proteins, and molecular model construction kits, including an alpha helix construction kit, a beta sheet construction kit, and a nucleic acid construction kit. The three-dimensional models of molecules include one or more elongated tubular strands representing alpha carbons and the bonds between the alpha carbons. The alpha helix and beta sheet construction kits include amino acid backbone units, hydrogen bond units, and side chain units. The nucleic acid construction kits include base units, hydrogen bond units, sugar units, and phosphate units.

Abstract: Novel biotinylated nucleotides have a chemically cleavable linker arm between a biotin and an organic basic group. They are useful in a method of isolating target macromolecules from crude physiological mixtures. The biotinylated nucleotides are bound via their organic basic groups to macromolecules having an affinity for the target macromolecules and brought into contact with the target macromolecules to form a biotinylated nucleotide-affinity macromolecule - target macromolecule complex. The complex thus obtained is brought into contact with immobilized avidin whereupon the biotin moeity binds to the avidin. The complex and avidin are washed to remove undesired substances and then the chemically cleavable bond in the nucleotide is cleaved to obtain the affinity-macromolecule - target macromolecule complex from which the target macromolecule can be obtained.