Origami
DNA
Activity Guide
This hands-on activity allows you to create your own paper
model of a DNA double helix.
Origami model designed by Alex Bateman, inspired by designs
by Thoki Yenn.
Suitable for: age 10+
Estimated duration: 15 minutes
You will need (for pre-coloured origami DNA):
scissors to cut the worksheets
• printed Origami DNA sheets • to size
You will also need (for blank origami DNA):
• colouring pens, pencils or crayons • pairing rules printout
Introduction
DNA has a ‘double helix’ structure. Much like a spiral staircase, it
has two single strands that join and twist together. The ‘steps’ of the
staircase are made up of the four bases of DNA (adenine, cytosine,
guanine and thymine). These bind together in complementary pairs
(A with T, C with G).
This activity explores the structure of DNA in a paper-based form.
You can also use the blank version to explore the pairing rules of
DNA, by colouring in each base pair using the pairing rules printout.
1/3 yourgenome.org
Origami DNA
Activity Guide
Instructions - blank template
2. Start by writing the first letter of your DNA
1. Lay out the blank DNA origami template sequence (A, T, C or G) in the rop right corner
4. Write the corresponding complementary
3. Continue your sequence down the column bases in the boxes diagonally across from
on the right. your sequence as shown.
5. Continue the complementary sequence until
you reach the bottom; and fill in the top box of
that column with any letter.s 6. Now colour in your DNA and then fold!
2/3 yourgenome.org
Origami DNA
Activity Guide
Instructions - coloured template
2. Hold the paper so that the
thick lines are diagonal and
1. Fold in half lengthwise. the thin lines are horizontal. 3. Fold the top two segments
Make all creases as firm as Fold the top segment down down along the next
possible. and then unfold. horizontal line. Unfold.
6. Fold along the first diagonal
line. Unfold and fold along the
second diagonal line. Repeat
4. Repeat for all segments. 5. Turn the paper over. for all diagonal lines.
8. Fold the other edge away
7. Fold the white edge without from you. Partly unfold both 9. You can see how the model
letters up. edges. is starting to twist.
10. Twist and turn the paper
while pushing the ends 12. Admire your completed
towards each other. 11. Now let go! DNA double helix!
3/3 yourgenome.org
