Cloning Vector
A vector is a DNA molecule used to introduce foreign DNA into a host cell. It is capable to self-replicate and integrating into the host cell. These vectors have aided in the analysis of the molecular structure of DNA.
Vectors can be a plasmid from the bacterium, a cell from a higher organism, or DNA from a virus. The target DNA is integrated into the particular sites of the vector and ligated by DNA ligase. The host cell is subsequently modified to receive the vector, allowing replication.
A DNA molecule which when a foreign DNA is inserted has the ability to replicate it autonomously to give birth to multiple clones of recombinant DNA is referred to as a cloning vector. Plasmids and phages are cloning vectors.
Characteristics of Cloning Vectors
Some of these basic characteristics are extremely required for their functions. This involves the presence of a suitable cloning site as well as selectable markers. Some other characteristics can be accessible but their functionality is limited. The cloning process is usually performed using E. coli and therefore cloning vectors usually contain systems to permit maintenance and function in E. coli. Sometimes, there are other characteristics that allow them to persist in organisms other than E. coli.
- Origin of Replication: The specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA, which serves as the origin of the replication process, is called as ORI. When it integrates or binds to this sequence, the foreign DNA starts replicating alongside the host cell.
- Selectable marker gene: The cloning vector must contain a selectable marker gene as this enables to selection of host cells that contain the recombinant DNA, and the separation of them from those that do not.
- Presence of restriction sites: It should consist of restriction sites to allow the breakup of specific sequences with regard to restriction endonuclease.
- It should not be too big in size.
- The Integration of donor DNA should not interfere with the replication procedure and property of the cloning vector.
- There should be several sites for cloning.
- Both vector and sample DNA are digested with the same restriction enzymes. It is then recombined so that it can grow in a host. The vector consists of selectable markers that help determine which recombinase is to be inserted.
- A vector need not necessarily have components that are helpful in target gene expression, although many do and may function as an expression vector.
NCERT Notes Biology Class 12 Chapter 9 Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
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The branch of biology known as biotechnology is where technology is used to improve human health. Biotechnology is the production, development, and modification of useful products to satisfy the needs of all living things.