Forensic Biology Education DNA Model

SKU: 68795WS

$299.00USD or lower Each

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[4.6]   4 Reviews    | Write a Review

DNA is made up of just 5 elements (H,C,O,N,P) combined into 4 nucleotides to make up the familiar AT & GC base pairs. The 3 billion base pairs of a human genome can, in theory, be arranged 4^3000000000 ways. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) extracted from blood, saliva & semen samples collected at crime scenes can identify individuals based on their unique genetic information. DNA analysis is arguably the most important of aspect of of forensic science investigation. It can provide definitive identification of individuals & convict or absolve of criminal acts.

This 12 base pair DNA model has 262,144 possible combinations. 24 students building 1 model per hour would take 30 years to build each one. Modern techniques such as PCR reduce identification to hours. 

Warranty on parts notwithstanding, this works out to $0.001 per sequence. Not enough combinations & need to do even cheaper? Check out our 22 base pair DNA model.

Details Parts Reviews Related Products
Details

Use this DNA model to get a hands on understanding of how just 5 elements, C, H, O, N, P can account for a unique individual for every human that has ever lived (twins, triplets, etc. excepted). This 12 base pair model is useful not just to forensic anthropology & ancestry research but also biologists & paleontologists for studies of evolutionary diversity.

"Without reservation, I can strongly recommend this particular model building exercise. It requires and reinforces a strong understanding of the details of DNA structure. While it does have a reasonably high level of complexity, it is fun to build and most educational." Dr. Roscoe Stribling, retired high school teacher. Read his full testimonial and why his school bought 10 models.

  • 1 hr. lab exercise for 24 students at low cost
  • Keep them busy while waiting for PCR reactions to finish
  • Build, disassemble & rebuild
  • 262144 possible unique sequences
  • Use as stand-alone, display model; ~1m (3.3') tall
  • 1 turn; 12 base pairs; 6 each AT & GC
  • Major/minor grooves with accurate size ratio
  • Special double bonds show antiparallel structure
  • Complementary alpha helix model fits major groove (not included)

 

Related information or images
12 Base Pair DNA Model-Assembly Required

12 Base Pair DNA Model-Assembly Required
St. Andrews Class w/ Model

24 Base Double Height Version
Parts
P/NDescriptionQTY
67288CKit Use Only Bond, Minit, white, 210mm5
68186-20Wobbly bond, 20mm, each456
68186-25Wobbly bond, 25mm, each98
68186-50Wobbly bond, 50mm, each30
68218CAtom, Orbit, O "a", red, 1 prong55
68230CAtom, Orbit, O "d", 110 degree, red92
68236CAtom, Orbit, C "h", planar: 108-126-126, black38
68237CAtom, Orbit, N "h", planar: 108-126-126, blue25
68241CAtom, Orbit, C "j", planar: 120-120-120, black73
68242CAtom, Orbit, N "j", planar: 120-120-120, blue66
68244CAtom, Orbit, C "k", tetrahedral, black128
68247CAtom, Orbit, P "k", tetrahedral, purple24
68267CAtom, Orbit "x", double/triple bond peg/insert211
68366Orbit bonds, opaque, 20mm, 15/bundle7
68795JamNut4
68795LAY12
68795Rod31
68795spacer11
68795washer4
68795WB1
Reviews (4)
2023-03-28

This was the DNA model I had always dreamed of when I first started teaching over three decades ago. Virtually ideal! This will be a highlight for our local science centre. DNA models with space-filling are great to look at but somewhat obscure the essential bonding and bond angles. This model, without the space-filling atoms, is perfect for highlighting the hydrogen bonding, spiral structure and phosphate backbone. Had a question and suggestion and I had my answer and response within a couple of hours. Great customer service, great value (like, it is a bargain considering what you get for a very reasonable price), and a great model. The instructions were very clear and well illustrated. What is not to love!

— Jim H.
— Indigo:

Thanks for the detailed review. Our Big Bang Theory DNA model is more impressive in many ways but as you have noted, this is the better teaching model & has great value.

2017-10-21

Once assembled, the model gives good detail about how all the different atoms fit together to make the classic double helix structure of DNA. The instructions are done reasonably well with two exceptions. The first is that when it's time to build the deoxyribose-phosphate "backbone" of the helix, the instructions show which atoms connect where, but it leaves out how they are to be rotated. The user is left to work this out by trial and error. The second is a minor error in the assembly of the stand where you're first told to put it together one way, and then later to do it a different way (positions of the nuts on the threaded rod). Having said that, I'd still buy it again.

— Bob
— Indigo:

Thanks very much for the feedback. We are planning to revise these instructions & your recommendations will be incorporated.

Good news! The instructions have been rewritten as of 2022.03.01 with more detail & photos. Also, we are available for Google Meet/Skype/Zoom video calls in case you need help.

2016-12-23

After I decided to get a model of DNA, I spent quite a bit of time researching it. I found this one pretty quickly, but kept looking. Finally, I decided to buy it. I am really glad I did. I have studied DNA for some time now, and putting this model together really brought things together in my head. Two dimensional drawings in books became a three dimensional representation right before my eyes. The major/minor grooves and how they are formed became much clearer. This is a cool model. The price is right, too. The less expensive models are fine but don't provide the detail this one does. In my view it was worth spending extra for more detail. Indigo says this is their best teaching model, and I agree. Indigo's service is stellar, too. My order was shipped immediately and arrived in good shape. The directions were fine if in need of some updating. Chris Bingleman helped me a lot-he is a credit to your company. He returned every email I sent, and quickly I might add. I talked with others at the company and was impressed. They care. If you want a really nice DNA model to put on display, this is a good one. I'd do it again.

— Steven
— Indigo:

Thanks for your insights. This model is also unique in having 3 different atom geometries for carbon & nitrogen. It puts that knowledge of VSEPR theory to good use.

2016-12-02

This model is fantastic but is not for the faint of heart. I had students assemble it in class as part of our unit on nucleic acid structure. It took two classes, an occasional bored research group member, and an awful lot of quality control on my part to actually finish it! The most difficult part is figuring out what tubes to use for what bonds. It is of course obvious if one sits all of the different lengths next to one another along with a description of the different bond lengths in DNA, but some of the tubes are close enough in length that they were initially used interchangeably by the students. The model is accurate enough that if the wrong bond lengths are used for any pieces, it doesn't fit together correctly. That was a good teaching moment:-) Once we got that figured out, it was smooth sailing. The model is ideal for teaching everything from base pairing to major and minor grooves. Besides, it looks pretty cool in my office. I'd buy it again.

— Early Adopter
— Indigo:

Thanks for the feedback. The instructions were written by the prof who designed the DNA model but they are nearly 20 years old & have some obvious shortcomings! Good news-the instructions have been rewritten as of 2022.03.01 with more detail & photos. The good news is we have engaged an exceptional high school teacher with exceptional students who are rewriting the material for us. Your concerns will be addressed in this iteration. As soon as it is done, we will announce this on the website & send copies to everyone who bought the model. Good news-the instructions have been rewritten as of 2022.03.01 with more detail & photos.

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