Edible DNA Strands
A fun and educational activity to create colorful and delicious representations of DNA using simple ingredients. Perfect for teaching kids about genetics in an engaging way.
Ingredients
For the Gelatin Mixture
- 1 box fruit-flavored gelatin (various colors)
- 1 cup hot water Boiled
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
For Assembly
- 2-3 cups gummy candies (sour worms, gummy bears, etc.) Choose various types for creativity
- Straws or licorice sticks (for the backbone) Licorice sticks can be used as an alternative to straws
- Baking sheet or tray For placing assembled strands
- Parchment paper To line the baking sheet
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil 1 cup of water and mix it with the fruit-flavored gelatin until dissolved.
- Stir in the corn syrup, ensuring a smooth consistency.
Set Up Your Workspace
- Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet or tray.
- Prepare your straws or licorice sticks to represent the DNA backbone.
Assemble the DNA Strands
- Dip the straws or licorice into the gelatin mixture.
- Use gummy candies to create the base pairs. Secure them on either side of the backbone.
- For a more educational touch, assign specific colors to represent adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.
Chill and Set
- Place your assembled strands on the baking sheet.
- Refrigerate for about 2-3 hours until the gelatin fully sets.
Enjoy!
- Once set, take your edible DNA strands out, and they are ready to be devoured!
Notes
Customize flavors by trying different flavors of gelatin for unique taste profiles. Swap gummy candies for chocolate pieces for a different texture. Have kids design their own DNA sequences using the different colors of candy.