Central Arizona College BIO181 Students Create DNA Christmas Tree
By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
Central Arizona College students enrolled in the BIO181 course taught by Sunjung Park, Professor of Biology/Chemistry recently completed a DNA Christmas tree.
Over a three-week period, students conducted meetings to determine the necessary materials, gathered items such as cardboard boxes, Styrofoam, wire, and more to complete the DNA Christmas tree. Throughout the construction process, students studied the intricacies of DNA, discovering that the two strands of DNA in a chromosome run antiparallel. They also gained insights into the structure of nucleotides (phosphate, ribose, and nitrogenous bases) and the complementary sequence binding of nucleotides, such as A=T and C≡G, resulting in a double helical structure.
Professor park stated, “The students successfully crafted a flawless B-form DNA structure, complete with major and minor grooves, featuring 10 to 11 nucleotides in one complete turn—a visually stunning representation of the anti-parallel structure.”
DNA structure symbolizes homologous chromosomes, where one chromosome from the mother and one from the father pair up during fertilization. Humans possess 23 sets of homologous chromosomes in each cell, with identical genes in corresponding positions. The combination of genes from the mother’s and father’s chromosomes determines an individual’s appearance. The human body comprises approximately 37 trillion cells.
Professor Park explained, “The inception of this project dates back to November 2019 when the first paternal chromosome was crafted by a group of students enrolled in the BIO181 general biology class. In an effort to enhance their understanding of DNA structure, I proposed an additional activity: creating a DNA Christmas tree. I provided basic information about the tree’s size and the structure of nucleotides.” She added, “This fall, four years after the creation of the paternal chromosome, current BIO181 students undertook the construction of the maternal chromosome, thereby completing the set of homologous chromosomes. Witnessing the students engage in discussions about DNA structure, educate one another, and exchange ideas during the collaborative construction was a source of great pride.”
This project is believed to be the first DNA sculpture representing homologous chromosomes in the form of a Christmas tree.