Strands of Creativity: Genes to Jewelry

Every living thing has DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)! DNA is a molecule that carries the instructions for building everything in our bodies. It tells our cells how to grow and what to do, making each of us unique. DNA is made up of two strands that twist around each other to form a double helix. Four building blocks, called nucleotides, line the strands of DNA, and this sequence of nucleotides encodes the genetic information that is passed from one generation to the next. At our DNA Bracelet Activity, visitors will get a hands-on introduction to the structure and function of DNA in a fun creative way. Using colorful beads to represent nucleotides and string as the sugar-phosphate backbone, visitors will construct their own DNA bracelet while learning how DNA pairs up and forms its famous double helix shape. Our exhibit provides a tactile and visual way to understand a key concept in biology, making it approachable and exciting for everyone!