In molecular biology, a vector is a DNA molecule that is used to transport a specific DNA segment into a host cell as part of a cloning or recombinant DNA process.
In most cases, the vector aids in the replication and/or expression of the inserted DNA sequence inside the host cell.
It is the most important tool in all genetic alterations.
Types of vectors:
A. Cloning vector:
Cloning vectors are vectors that can replicate themselves.
Thus utilized for the replication of recombinant DNA within the host cell.
B. Viral vector:
Viral vectors are one of the most efficient methods for modifying host cells or tissues and manipulating their expression of various genes.
C. Expression vector:
Expression vectors are vectors that allow cloned genes to be expressed in order to determine whether the cloning procedure was successful.
D. Shuttle vector:
Shuttle vectors are vectors that carry replication origins from two separate hosts and can shuttle between them.
E. Secretion vector:
Secretion vectors are a sort of specialized expression vector that expresses cloned genes outside of the cytoplasm in order to create proteins.
Examples:
Plasmids, bacteriophages, viruses, cosmids, mosquitoes, houseflies, etc.