Summary
Small circular DNA carriers with origin of replication, selectable marker and cloning site.
In depth
Features: origin of replication, selectable marker (antibiotic resistance), multiple cloning site and often a reporter such as lacZ for blue-white screening. Expression vectors add promoters. Other vectors: bacteriophages, BACs and YACs for large inserts.
Selectable markers reveal which cells took up the plasmid; reporter systems show whether an insert is present. Copy number affects yield. Expression vectors include ribosome binding sites and terminators.
Key idea: a vector must be able to replicate, be cut and joined easily, and be selectable.
Plasmids are small circular DNA molecules found in bacteria that replicate independently. Engineered cloning plasmids contain an origin of replication, a selectable marker such as antibiotic resistance, and a multiple cloning site with many restriction sites.
Many include a reporter system like lacZ for blue-white screening, promoters for expressing the insert, and tags for purification. Other vectors are bacteriophages, cosmids, BACs for large inserts, and viral vectors. Size and copy number influence yield.
Example: pUC19 is a high-copy plasmid used widely in labs.
Frequently asked questions
What is Plasmid Vectors?
Small circular DNA carriers with origin of replication, selectable marker and cloning site.
Which area of biology covers Plasmid Vectors, and how advanced is it?
Plasmid Vectors is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Gene Cloning Workflow, Recombinant DNA, Genetic Engineering.
Why does Plasmid Vectors matter?
Vectors carry foreign DNA into host cells and make many copies; choose the vector for insert size and host.
Can you give an example of Plasmid Vectors?
PUC19 is a common cloning plasmid.
What should I learn before Plasmid Vectors?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics first, such as Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, then return to Plasmid Vectors. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Plasmid Vectors?
The closest topics to Plasmid Vectors are Gene Cloning Workflow, Recombinant DNA, Genetic Engineering, Transgenic Organisms. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Plasmid Vectors?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Plasmid Vectors. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Plasmid Vectors different from Gene Cloning Workflow?
Plasmid Vectors: Small circular DNA carriers with origin of replication, selectable marker and cloning site. Gene Cloning Workflow: Cut the gene and vector, ligate, transform bacteria, select colonies and screen for the insert. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Plasmid Vectors step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Gene Cloning Workflow and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.