Vectors in Genetic Engineering

A small DNA molecule used to carry foreign DNA into a host cell for replication or expression.

DNA containing DNA from different organisms, often created by inserting foreign DNA into a vector.

The process of introducing a vector into bacterial cells.

The process of introducing a vector into eukaryotic cells.

Self-replication, restriction sites, small size, circular shape, marker genes, and easy isolation from the host cell.

A gene used to identify cells that have taken up a vector. Useful for selectively growing cells containing the vector.

A common genetic marker that confers resistance to an antibiotic (e.g., tetracycline), allowing for selection of transformed cells.

A vector designed to carry foreign DNA; it doesn't express the inserted DNA.

Small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria, replicating independently of the chromosome.

Plasmids can efficiently clone DNA fragments up to about 20 kb.

A virus that infects bacteria, capable of carrying larger DNA segments.

A bacteriophage that can accommodate larger DNA fragments compared to plasmids (upto 20 kb).

A specific DNA sequence where replication begins.

A gene that allows researchers to identify cells containing the plasmid.

A region with multiple restriction sites for inserting foreign DNA.

A viral DNA sequence integrated into a host bacterial chromosome that can remain dormant but can enter a lytic cycle upon damage to the cell.

A bacterial artificial chromosome; a simple plasmid designed to clone very large DNA fragments (75-300 kb), useful for cloning large genes.

A yeast artificial chromosome; a miniature chromosome that can carry even larger DNA fragments (200 kb - 3000 kb), useful for sequencing large genomes.

A human artificial chromosome; a micro-chromosome that can act as a new chromosome in human cells, allowing scientists to transfer and study new genes.

Both BAC and YAC are artificial chromosomes used for cloning large DNA fragments. BACs are bacterial artificial chromosomes used for cloning DNA fragments up to 300 kb, while YACs are yeast artificial chromosomes that can carry even larger fragments (up to 3000 kb).

YACs have an advantage over BACs in expressing proteins that require post-translational modifications, which are critical for proper protein function in eukaryotic organisms.

HACs are used as vectors to transfer new genes into human cells, allowing researchers to study the expression and function of these genes.

A cloning vector based on a bacterial plasmid, but with additional DNA sequences derived from a bacteriophage. They can carry larger fragments of DNA than plasmids (up to 45 kb) and are often used for cloning genomic libraries.

A type of cloning vector derived from a bacterial artificial chromosome. BACs are designed to carry very large DNA inserts, up to 300 kb, and are commonly used to create large-insert genomic libraries for mapping and sequencing genomes. They are circular plasmids found in Escherichia coli.

A cloning vector based on a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC). They are used to carry very large DNA fragments, from 100 kb to 2 Mb, making them ideal for cloning large genomic regions or entire chromosomes.

A vector designed to function in two or more different host organisms. This allows researchers to move a gene of interest between different species to study its function or express it in a specific host.

A type of cloning vector derived from the tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid found in Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Ti vectors are commonly used to transfer genes into plants for genetic engineering.

Ti vectors are naturally occurring plasmids found in the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This bacteria is a plant pathogen that causes crown gall disease. When A.tumefaciens infects a plant, a piece of DNA from the Ti plasmid (T-DNA) inserts into the host chromosome. This T-DNA carries genes that cause the plant to produce specific hormones (like auxin) leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. Scientists have modified Ti vectors to remove these harmful genes, using them to deliver beneficial genes into plants for genetic modification.

A vector specifically designed for the transcription and production of a specific protein. It often includes strong promoters and other elements that optimize the expression of the inserted gene. Expression vectors are used in biotechnology for research and large-scale production of proteins.

Expression vectors are essential for producing therapeutic proteins, enzymes, and other molecules. They are used in various applications, such as producing insulin for diabetes treatment, vaccines, and for research in understanding protein function.