Origami DNA - Activity Guide - Build a Paper Double Helix

Oct 28, 2026

Upload by Jake

Create a paper model of a DNA double helix using origami sheets. The guide includes a pre-coloured version or a blank template for exploring DNA structure and complementary base pairing. It explains the double helix, identifying adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine, and shows how A pairs with T and C pairs with G. Step-by-step folding instructions lead to twisting, forming, and admiring a completed DNA model.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

What You Need

Instructions - blank template

Instructions - coloured template

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): • printed Origami DNA sheets • sctoissorsizes to cut the worksheets 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](1/3 yourgenome.org)[ yourgenome.org](1/3 yourgenome.org) Origami DNA Activity Guide Instructions-blank template 1. Lay out the blank DNA origami template 2. Start by writing the first letter of your DNA sequence (A, T, C or G) in the rop right corner |
3. Continue your sequence down the column |
4. Write the corresponding complementary 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](2/3 yourgenome.org)[ yourgenome.org](2/3 yourgenome.org) Origami DNA Activity Guide Instructions-coloured template 1. Fold in half lengthwise. Make all creases as firm as possible. 2. Hold the paper so that the thick lines are diagonal and the thin lines are horizontal. Fold the top segment down and then unfold. 3. Fold the top two segments down along the next horizontal line. Unfold. |
4. Repeat for all segments. |
5. Turn the paper over. |
6. Fold along the first diagonal line. Unfold and fold along the second diagonal line. Repeat for all diagonal lines. | | --- | --- | --- | |
7. Fold the white edge without |
8. Fold the other edge away 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 towards each other. 11. Now let go! 12. Admire your completed DNA double helix! [3/3](3/3 yourgenome.org)[ yourgenome.org](3/3 yourgenome.org)

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Origami DNA activity?

To create a paper model of a DNA double helix, helping learners visualize DNA structure and base pairing.

What materials are needed for the pre-coloured and blank versions?

The pre-coloured version uses printed Origami DNA sheets. The blank version adds colouring pens/pencils/crayons and a pairing rules printout.

Which DNA base pairs are used in the complementary sequence?

A pairs with T, and C pairs with G to complete the complementary strand.

What are the key steps to finish the model?

Fold along the template’s creases, repeat the segment folds, then twist and turn the paper while pushing the ends together before letting go to form the double helix.

Oct 28, 2026

Upload by Jake