Hey there!

Thanks for stumbling across our instructable. Our names are Sneha and Ana and today we're going to help you make your very own DNA bracelet.

As you know, DNA holds the instructions for directing our bodies to develop and function properly. The basis of DNA is made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and rungs, like in a ladder, made up of nucleotides. Nucleotides connect the ladder in different combinations.

There are 4 types of nucleotides found in DNA and they are:

(A)-Adenine

(G)-Guanine

(T)-Thymine

(C)-Cytosine

Today we will be using the general structure of DNA and make them into something tangible. This can help us visually understand the structure and function of it.

Now that you have some background information, let's get to assembling our bracelets!

Step 1: Before You Get Started..

Here are the materials you will be needing for this creation.

-4 different colors of beads (nucleotides)

-elastic string (sugar/phosphate backbone)

-key with nucleotides and beads

-gene sequence of your creation.

Step 2: Assembling Your Template DNA Sequence

Based on personal preference and the availability of your beads, assign which nucleotide will be which color.

Research some of your favorite animals or local plants to see what their genetic makeup is like. The NIH has a database full of different genomic sequences of different organisms on Earth. After finding your favorite, pick a 16 long nucleotide sequence. This will serve as your template strand.

Measure and cut a piece of elastic string, with the total length being a little longer than your wrist. Tie a knot at one end as to prevent any of your beads from falling off.

Start by coding your DNA sequence onto your 'sugar phosphate backbone'. Place one bead/nucleotide at a time and continue until the entirety of your sequence is properly attached. Tie another knot at the end to secure the strand. That marks the completion of one of your DNA strands!

Step 3: Complete Your Complimentary DNA Strand

Every DNA template strand has a complimentary DNA sequence strand to accompany it. This is accomplished through nucleotide base-pairing.

(A) Adenine pairs with (T) Thymine & (G) Guanine pairs with (C) Cytosine.

Based on your color assignment and nucleotide arrangement, complete your complimentary strand by following the same steps as before, but with the opposite nucleotide.

For example if you had a 'ATGG' sequence on your template strand, your complimentary strand would be 'TACC'. Follow this method until the entire 16 sequence complimentary strand is complete. Don't forget to knot both ends of your string to keep your creation intact!

Step 4: Putting It All Together!

Now that you have your completed template and complimentary strands, you can assemble the two to create a full double helix, DNA bracelet. Tie the two ends of each strand together to its respective side. Then wrap the entire bracelet around your wrist and finish off with a large knot securing it.

You've done it! You made your very own, personalized DNA bracelet!

Hope y'all enjoyed making this instructable. Let us know in the comments if you made yours differently or had any additional alterations to make.

See y'all next time :)

-Ana and Sneha