The MIT Edgerton Center offers molecular models for education. Our three biology sets (Protein, DNA/RNA, and tRNA) provide hands-on learning experiences for abstract concepts.

Protein Sets
Students can build and fold proteins, learn about hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, demonstrate all 4 levels of protein structure, create models of proteins they know like insulin, antibodies, and more.
DNA/RNA Sets
Students can explore DNA and RNA nucleotide structure, practice both simple and advanced versions of replication, model mRNA transcription, learn about DNA damage, mutations, repair, and more.
tRNA Sets
With all 3 kits (DNA/RNA, Protein, and tRNA), students will be able to complete protein synthesis: transcribing a gene into mRNA, translating the mRNA into a protein chain, and folding the protein chain into a functional shape.
Cas9 Mat with model DNA and guide RNA
Biotechnology Pack
With the new Biotechnology Pack, students use the DNA models to visualize and explore these concepts: restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, PCR, DNA sequencing, and CRISPR-Cas9.
Sickle Hemoglobin Mat with protein model
Health Pack
With the new Health Pack, students use the protein models to visualize and explore these concepts: hemoglobin and sickle cell disease, individual metabolism of drugs and toxicants, kinases and cancer, and COVID-19 spike protein binding.

About the DNA, Protein, and tRNA Sets (Middle School to University Level)

Unlike most biology models, our sets are designed to teach what molecules do, not just what molecules look like. Our models are made to be manipulated, so learners can perform cellular processes with their own hands. Lessons are appropriate for middle school, high school, AP Biology, and adult levels. Diverse populations including multilingual learners, nursing students, and biology educators have all found the lessons an engaging way to learn difficult concepts.

High school and university instructors usually teach DNA first and then teach protein synthesis. This sequence mimics the central dogma of molecular biology (DNA-> RNA-> Protein) but makes the content more difficult to learn. However, if you teach proteins before DNA, students will be able to focus on the process of synthesizing a protein from a gene during protein synthesis. Read more about our reasons for teaching proteins first in our Essentials for Teaching.

New Biotechnology Pack available now!
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DNA, Protein, & tRNA Sets available now!
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Lesson Production Team

Kathleen M. Vandiver, PhD
Models and lessons

Amanda G. Mayer, PhD
Lessons and graphics