Question

Write a few examples of vectors.

Answer 1

Vectors:

1. 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.
2. In most cases, the vector aids in the replication and/or expression of the inserted DNA sequence inside the host cell.
3. It is the most important tool in all genetic alterations.

Types of vectors:

A. Cloning vector:

1. Cloning vectors are vectors that can replicate themselves.
2. Thus utilized for the replication of recombinant DNA within the host cell.

B. Viral vector:

1. 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:

1. Expression vectors are vectors that allow cloned genes to be expressed in order to determine whether the cloning procedure was successful.

D. Shuttle vector:

1. Shuttle vectors are vectors that carry replication origins from two separate hosts and can shuttle between them.

E. Secretion vector:

1. Secretion vectors are a sort of specialized expression vector that expresses cloned genes outside of the cytoplasm in order to create proteins.

Examples:

1. Plasmids, bacteriophages, viruses, cosmids, mosquitoes, houseflies, etc.