Question

Is plasmid a cloning vector?

Answer 1

Plasmid:

1. Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can multiply on their own. They are not, however, reliant on chromosomal DNA for replication.
2. Plasmids are commonly referred to as extra-chromosomal DNA because of this property.
3. Plasmids are circular double-stranded DNA molecules. The double strands are joined at both ends by covalent bonds, resulting in a circular shape.
4. Plasmids are self-replicating circular double-stranded DNA molecules that serve as cloning vectors in cells.
5. Many of the cloning vectors currently in use were developed from naturally occurring plasmids.