Types of Cloning Vectors
There are different types of cloning vectors which are mentioned below:
Plasmid
Plasmids are the first vectors which are used in gene cloning which are found in the bacteria, eukaryotes and archaea. These are consist of antibiotic resistant genes. They are self replicating DNA molecules which are also extrachromosomal. Some examples of plasmids are- pBR322, pUC18 and F-plasmid.
Bacteriophage
Bacteriophage are better in efficiency when compared to the plasmids for cloning large DNA inserts. DNA of 53kb can be packed in bacteriophage. Screening of phage plaques are easier than the screening of recombinant bacterial colonies. M13 phage is an example of bacteriophage.
Phagemids
Phagemids are known as artificial vectors which are used in the combination of M13 phage. They consists of multiple cloning sites .They are identified by the blue white screening.
Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes
Bacterial Artificial chromosomes (BAC) are generally obtained from F’ plasmid which is a DNA molecule that has been produced and used to clone DNA sequences in bacterial cells. They are used to study about genetic disorders and also they are similar to E.coli plasmid vectors.
Yeast Artificial Chromosomes
These are the molecules used in mapping and sequences of genomes. They are designed by human being and they are used for cloning of DNA sequences in yeast cells.
Cosmid
Cosmid consists of similar features of both plasmid and phase and they have a cloning limit of 30 kb to 50 kb.
Human Artificial Chromosome
Human Artificial Chromosome are used to transfer human genes as they carry large portion of DNA hence they are not restricted to cloning.
Cloning Vectors – CBSE Notes Class 12
Cloning vectors are small piece of DNA molecule which is used to carry foreign DNA into the host cell which consists of a capability of self-replication and integration into the host cell. These vectors are used in the analysis of the molecular structure of DNA. The target DNA in the vector is integrated into the specific sites of this vector and ligated by DNA ligase. Phages and Plasmids are examples of cloning vectors.