What is a plasmid vector?

In molecular cloning, a vector is a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell, where it can be replicated and/or expressed. ... The four major types of vectors are plasmids, viral vectors, cosmids, and artificial chromosomes. read more

About Plasmids and vectors. The terms plasmid and vector are often used interchangeably, but their meanings are slightly different. A plasmid is an extra-chromosomal DNA molecule found in bacteria (Sambrook and Russell, 2001 ). read more

Section 7.1 DNA Cloning with Plasmid Vectors The essence of cell chemistry is to isolate a particular cellular component and then analyze its chemical structure and activity. In the case of DNA, this is feasible for relatively short molecules such as the genomes of small viruses. read more

The ORI is critical for the ability of the plasmid to be copied (amplified) by bacteria, which is an important characteristic of why plasmids are convenient and easy to use. Antibiotic Resistance Gene: Allows for selection of plasmid-containing bacteria by providing a survival advantage to the bacterial host. read more