Building Your Own Human Cell Chromosome Model: A

Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to dive into the amazing world of human chromosomes! This guide will help you
construct a model of the 46 tiny bundles of genetic information tucked inside each of your
cells.

Remember, accuracy and creativity are key!

Materials:

 Pipe cleaners – colourful straws – yarn (Choose various colors for different
chromosome pairs).
 Beads: Small, colorful beads will represent the centromeres of each chromosome.
 Scissors: For cutting the pipe cleaners or straws to size.
 Glue: To secure the beads.
 Optional: Construction paper, markers, cardboard (for a 3D cell model),cotton balls
(for cytoplasm), etc.

Instructions:

1. Chromosome Size and Shape Research:

Start by familiarizing yourself with the different human chromosomes. There are 23
pairs, each with a unique size and shape. Websites like karyogram.gc.cn offer visual
references for chromosome banding patterns and relative sizes.

2. Pipe Cleaner, straws or yarn Cutting:

Use the research data to estimate the relative lengths of different chromosome pairs.
Cut accordingly, remembering that the longest pair (chromosome 1) is about 8 cm
long, while the shortest (chromosome 22) is roughly 2 cm.

3. Chromatid Differentiation:

For some chromosome pairs, you can further differentiate the two chromatids by
gently bending the pipe cleaner or the yarn or the straw arms slightly in opposite
directions.

4. Pairing Up:

Match the homologous chromosome pairs based on their size. Secure them together
with a small piece of tape or bead in the middle.
 5. Building the Cell:

Take your model a step further, create a 3D cell structure using paper plate. You can
then arrange the chromosomes inside the nucleus and depict other cell components
like the cytoplasm and cell membrane.

Tips and Tricks:

 Make sure the last chromosome represents your sex.

 Label your chromosomes with their numbers for easy identification.
 Present your model to the class and explain your design choices and the significance
of chromosomes.

Remember, science is all about exploration and discovery. So, have fun building your
cell and let your imagination guide you!

Extension tasks: