Vector
In molecular biology, a vector is a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to transfer foreign genetic material into another cell. The four major types of vectors are plasmids, bacteriophages and other viruses, cosmids, and artificial chromosomes. Common to all engineered vectors are an origin of replication, a multicloning site, and a selectable marker.
Features of an Ideal Vector
Size
It must be relatively smaller size(10 kbp) because larger molecules tend to break down and very small ones may not allow the insertion of the gene
Copy number
It is the no. of molecules of plasmid present in a cell. The copy number should be higher.
Independent existence
The only molecule should be having independent existence within the host cell. (e.g plasmid within bacteria)
Use of host mechanism
It should be able to use the host cell enzymer machinery for process of replication
Selectability/presence of antibiotic resistance gene
Antibiotic resistance genes hould be present because these are helpful in selecting the host cell containing recombinant DNA
Origin of replication
There should be a presence of origin of replication
Presence of restriction sites
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Filed under: genetic engineering
