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'''Vector (molecular biology)'''
== Vector (molecular biology) ==


In [[molecular biology]], a '''vector''' refers to a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell, where it can be replicated and/or expressed. A vector containing foreign DNA is termed '''recombinant DNA'''. The four major types of vectors are [[plasmid]]s, [[viral vectors]], [[cosmids]], and [[artificial chromosomes]]. Each of these vectors has its own advantages and limitations in terms of capacity for genetic material, ease of manipulation, and efficiency of transformation. Vectors are chosen based on the specific needs of the molecular biology project.
[[File:PBR322_color.svg|thumb|right|300px|Diagram of the pBR322 plasmid, a commonly used vector in molecular biology.]]


==Types of Vectors==
A '''vector''' in [[molecular biology]] is a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell, where it can be replicated and/or expressed. Vectors are essential tools in [[genetic engineering]] and [[biotechnology]].
===Plasmids===
[[Plasmid]]s are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that are distinct from the chromosomal DNA. They are most commonly found in bacteria but can also be found in archaea and eukaryotic organisms. Plasmids are capable of independent replication and are used extensively in the laboratory for the manipulation of genes. They are particularly useful for cloning small to medium-sized genes, gene expression studies, and generating transgenic organisms.


===Viral Vectors===
== Types of Vectors ==
[[Viral vectors]] are tools commonly used by molecular biologists to deliver genetic material into cells. This process can be performed inside a living organism (in vivo) or in cell culture (in vitro). Viral vectors take advantage of the natural ability of a virus to inject its DNA or RNA into a host cell. By replacing the viral genome with the gene of interest, researchers can use the virus as a mechanism to get genetic material into the cells of the organism they are studying.


===Cosmids===
Vectors can be classified into several types based on their function and the type of genetic material they carry:
[[Cosmids]] are plasmid vectors that contain a small portion of bacteriophage λ DNA, which allows them to be packaged into λ phage particles for infection into E. coli. This method can increase the efficiency of DNA introduction. Cosmids can carry larger DNA fragments than plasmids, typically up to 45 kilobases, making them suitable for genomic library construction and physical mapping efforts.


===Artificial Chromosomes===
* '''[[Plasmid]]s''': Circular DNA molecules that replicate independently of the chromosomal DNA. They are commonly used in [[cloning]] and [[gene expression]] studies.
[[Artificial chromosomes]], such as bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) and yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs), are vectors designed to carry large DNA fragments. BACs can carry DNA fragments of up to 300 kilobases, while YACs can carry up to 1 megabase of foreign DNA. These vectors are essential for mapping and sequencing large genomes, such as the human genome, and for the study of large gene clusters.
* '''[[Viral vector|Viral vectors]]''': Modified viruses that can deliver genetic material into cells. They are often used in [[gene therapy]] and [[vaccine]] development.
* '''[[Cosmid]]s''': Hybrid vectors that combine features of plasmids and [[bacteriophage]]s, capable of carrying larger DNA fragments.
* '''[[Artificial chromosome]]s''': Large vectors that can carry very large DNA fragments, used in [[genome mapping]] and [[sequencing]] projects.


==Applications==
== Features of Vectors ==
Vectors are used in a wide range of applications in molecular biology, including:
* Gene cloning
* Gene therapy
* Creation of transgenic organisms
* Functional analysis of genes
* Vaccine development


==Choosing a Vector==
Vectors typically contain several key features that facilitate their use in genetic engineering:
The choice of vector for a particular project depends on several factors, including:
* The size of the DNA to be cloned
* The host organism to be transformed
* The need for expression of the cloned gene
* The requirement for stable or transient gene expression


==Safety Considerations==
* '''Origin of replication (ori)''': A sequence that allows the vector to replicate within a host cell.
The use of vectors, particularly viral vectors, in research and therapy is subject to strict safety and ethical considerations. The potential for insertional mutagenesis, immune response, and the possibility of generating replication-competent viruses are important factors that must be addressed.
* '''Selectable marker genes''': Genes that confer resistance to antibiotics, allowing for the selection of cells that have taken up the vector.
* '''Multiple cloning site (MCS)''': A region containing several restriction enzyme sites that allow for the insertion of foreign DNA.
* '''Promoter sequences''': Regions that initiate transcription of the inserted gene, necessary for gene expression studies.


==See Also==
== Applications ==
 
Vectors are used in a wide range of applications in molecular biology and biotechnology:
 
* '''Gene cloning''': Vectors are used to clone genes by inserting them into host cells where they can be replicated.
* '''Protein expression''': Vectors can be used to express proteins in host cells, facilitating the study of protein function and structure.
* '''Gene therapy''': Vectors are used to deliver therapeutic genes into patients' cells to treat genetic disorders.
* '''Vaccine development''': Viral vectors are used to develop vaccines by delivering antigens that stimulate an immune response.
 
== Related pages ==
 
* [[Genetic engineering]]
* [[Recombinant DNA]]
* [[Recombinant DNA]]
* [[Gene therapy]]
* [[Gene therapy]]
* [[Transgenic organism]]
* [[Biotechnology]]
* [[Molecular cloning]]
 
== References ==
 
* Sambrook, J., & Russell, D. W. (2001). ''Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual''. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
* Brown, T. A. (2010). ''Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An Introduction''. Wiley-Blackwell.


[[Category:Molecular biology]]
[[Category:Molecular biology]]
[[Category:Genetic engineering]]
[[Category:Genetic engineering]]
{{Molecular-biology-stub}}

Revision as of 15:43, 9 February 2025

Vector (molecular biology)

Diagram of the pBR322 plasmid, a commonly used vector in molecular biology.

A vector in molecular biology is a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell, where it can be replicated and/or expressed. Vectors are essential tools in genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Types of Vectors

Vectors can be classified into several types based on their function and the type of genetic material they carry:

Features of Vectors

Vectors typically contain several key features that facilitate their use in genetic engineering:

  • Origin of replication (ori): A sequence that allows the vector to replicate within a host cell.
  • Selectable marker genes: Genes that confer resistance to antibiotics, allowing for the selection of cells that have taken up the vector.
  • Multiple cloning site (MCS): A region containing several restriction enzyme sites that allow for the insertion of foreign DNA.
  • Promoter sequences: Regions that initiate transcription of the inserted gene, necessary for gene expression studies.

Applications

Vectors are used in a wide range of applications in molecular biology and biotechnology:

  • Gene cloning: Vectors are used to clone genes by inserting them into host cells where they can be replicated.
  • Protein expression: Vectors can be used to express proteins in host cells, facilitating the study of protein function and structure.
  • Gene therapy: Vectors are used to deliver therapeutic genes into patients' cells to treat genetic disorders.
  • Vaccine development: Viral vectors are used to develop vaccines by delivering antigens that stimulate an immune response.

Related pages

References

  • Sambrook, J., & Russell, D. W. (2001). Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
  • Brown, T. A. (2010). Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
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