GMO Detect-it Kit™: Test Food and Crop Samples for GMO Markers

Is it GMO? Let the DNA decide. Test real foods for genetically modified DNA!

Pre-order now: ships January 2027.

Learn how scientists detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with the GMO Detect-it Kit. Each team picks two foods, extracts their DNA, and uses multiplex PCR to copy several genetic markers at once in a single tube. Run your samples on a gel and read each food’s DNA fingerprint in the bands.

Experiment 1: Is it genetically modified (GM)? Three GM markers, along with a corn marker, a soybean marker and a general plant marker, tell you whether your food is genetically modified, whether it contains corn or soy, and whether it contains plant DNA at all.

Experiment 2: Which genetic modification is it? Two herbicide-tolerance markers, one insect-resistance marker and a plant marker reveal which trait was engineered into your food.

Practise every step first in Amino Labs’ Virtual Bioengineer simulator. Our teacher and student resources then explain every marker and how to read your results. It’s the same technique used in labs around the world for genetic testing, forensic science and medical diagnostics.

Are those corn chips really non-GMO? There's only one way to find out...

During this experiment, you will learn how scientists test foods for genetically modified DNA. The steps are:

1. extract DNA from food samples,
2. set up PCR reactions with GMO and plant control primers,
3. run PCR,
4. pour an agarose gel,
5. load and run your samples,
6. view and analyze your bands!

(The gel-only version starts at step 4.)

Both versions are suitable for up to 8 lab groups and include the agarose and TBE buffer as well as instructions and resources with easy-to-understand vocabulary and step-by-step procedures.

The Gel-only version includes 2 ready-to-load prepared samples instead of extraction and PCR reagents, as well as 2 controls.

The PCR & Gel version includes everything you need to extract DNA from 2 food samples per team, as well as 2 controls.

To complete this experiment you need:

• Gel electrophoresis equipment:
• power supply with voltage of ~50-100 V
• electrophoresis tank with wires that connect to the power supply
• gel casts
• well combs (8 or 12-tooth comb)

• Blacklight flashlight, transilluminator, or DIY blacklight box
• Pipettes and tips
• PCR machine (if you choose the PCR version)
• Microwave
• 1L Distilled water from store (recommended buy a 4L / 1 gallon jug)

Cleaning and safety supplies are not included in the kit. Necessary safety and cleaning supplies are latex or nitrile gloves and a chlorinated bleach cleaner or a 10% solution of chlorinated bleach in a spray bottle (you can make this by adding 9 parts water to 1 part bleach in a spray bottle). You can add a Mini Safety Set to your kit, which includes gloves and a reusable plastic apron to protect your clothes.

For more information about safety, setup, and cleanup, you can have a look at the experiment's instruction manual linked in the Resources section below and at the "Practicing safe science" page.

Shipping Times

Pre-order kits are shipped by the date above. If you require yours for a specific date or event, please contact us before or with your order # so that we can try to make it happen for you! ☺︎ 

Storage

Freeze this kit upon arrival

For any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us - contact us