Vector (molecular biology)
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Vector (Molecular Biology)
A Vector in Molecular Biology 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 types of vectors are Plasmids, Bacteriophages and other viruses, Cosmids, and Artificial Chromosomes.
Pronunciation
Vec·tor | \ ˈvek-tər \
Etymology
The term "vector" comes from the Latin word "vehere," which means "to carry." In molecular biology, it was first used in this context in the mid-20th century.
Related Terms
- Recombinant DNA: DNA that has been formed artificially by combining constituents from different organisms.
- Plasmids: Genetic structures in a cell that can replicate independently of the chromosomes.
- Bacteriophages: Viruses that parasitize a bacterium by infecting it and reproducing inside it.
- Cosmids: Type of plasmid, often used as a vector.
- Artificial Chromosomes: Synthetic chromosomes derived from the DNA of a species.
See Also
References
- Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., & Walter, P. (2002). Molecular Biology of the Cell. New York: Garland Science. ISBN 0-8153-4072-9.
- Griffiths, A. J. F.; Miller, J. H.; Suzuki, D. T.; Lewontin, R. C.; Gelbart, W. M. (2000). An Introduction to Genetic Analysis. New York: W. H. Freeman. ISBN 0-7167-3520-2.
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.