Cloning vectors

by Somanath Sahoo

​Contents

1. ​Introduction to cloning vectors

2. ​Classification & characteristics of cloning vectors

3. Plasmids

4. Bacteriophages

5. Phagemids

6. Biology of bacteriophage lambda

7. Insertion and Replacement vectors

8. Cosmids

9. Artificial chromosome vectors (YACs; BACs)

10. Expression vectors​

​Introduction

Clone: from the Greek - klon, a twig

The production of exact copies (clones) of a particular gene or DNA sequence using genetic engineering techniques.

The DNA containing the target gene(s) is split into fragments using restriction enzymes. These fragments are then inserted into cloning vectors which transfer the recombinant DNA to suitable host cells.

Inside the host cell the recombinant DNA undergoes replication; thus, a bacterial host will give rise to a colony of cells containing the cloned target gene.​