Please read the important information regarding these games at the bottom of the page.
The DNA - The Double Helix educational game and related reading are based on the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which was awarded for the discovery of the molecular structure of DNA - the double helix.
- How is a DNA molecule built up?
- How are copies of a DNA molecule made?
- What does "base-pairing" mean?
- How does the genetic material in thale cress (a plant), house mice, human beings, Escherichia coli bacteria, tuberculosis bacteria, bakers' yeast, malaria mosquitos and malaria parasites differ?
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material in all known living organisms and some viruses. DNA contains two strands wrapped around each other in a helix, and these strands are held in place by four chemicals called bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C) and thymine (T). The bases pair up with each other in a specific manner to form units called base pairs - adenine always pairs with thymine, and cytosine always pairs with guanine.
In this game your job is to first make exact copies of a double-stranded DNA molecule by correctly matching base pairs to each strand, and to then determine which organism the DNA belongs to.
For instructions on how to play the game, click on the HELP button found at the bottom of the game window.
- A scientific breakthruogh
- What is DNA?
- Solving the puzzle
- Using X-rays to see through DNA
- A three-helical structure?
- Specific base-pairing
- Structure shows action
- We all share the same building blocks
- A new biological era
- Was Rosalind Franklin nominated?
- The DNA-helix
Read "The discovery of the molecular structure of DNA – the double helix"
The DNA - The Double Helix Game was produced by: Nobel Media. Sound design by Sound Propulsion, Stockholm
Acknowledgment: Carolina Åstrand, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Karolinska Institutet
First published: September 2003
Estimated play time: 10 min.
Plug in requirements: Flash 6
Sound: Yes
High score: No
About the educational games
The educational games are based on Nobel Prize awarded achievements and were produced between 2001 and 2012. Most games have not been updated since production (including potential scientific facts changes) and are provided here on an 'as is' basis by popular demand.
Some of the games run in modern browsers without the need of any plugin (either as a new version or using Ruffle), but many of the games still require Adobe Flash Player. Flash is an old technology that has reached end of life. These games will no longer work without a dedicated setup. If you are depending on these games in your profession, please advice your local IT support. We do not have the resources to provide support.
We are working on supporting more games without Flash.