Question

What are the minimum features required in a cloning vector?

Answer 1

Cloning vector:

1. A cloning vector is a small piece of DNA that can be inserted with foreign DNA for cloning purposes.
2. The following are the characteristics of cloning vectors:
   1. The cloning vector must have a replication origin in order to self-replicate within the host cell.
   2. It should be contained in order for target DNA to be inserted.
   3. It must have a selectable marker with an antibiotic resistance gene to aid in the screening of recombinant organisms.
   4. It must be competent of inserting the oversized DNA segment.
   5. It must function in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems.
   6. It must be small enough to be easily integrated into the host cell.
   7. It must have several cloning sites.