Understanding Primers and Polymerase Chain Reaction by Using a Kinesthetic Paper Model

Performing a PCR often does not teach students what happens in a PCR. This kinesthetic, hands-on exercise allows students to simulate by hand the steps of a PCR. Each step of the first two cycles is modeled with template DNA and primers formed from paper, with additional newly synthesized DNA strands written in chalk. At the end of the exercise, students design primers to amplify the chosen sequence. They also attain a greater understanding of the restrictions that limit DNA polymerase activity, which are of general importance to molecular biology.