Features Cloning Vector Expression Vector

Definition A cloning vectoris a small piece An expression vector is a plasmid

of DNA, which is used to introduce that not only introduces a gene of
the foreign gene of interest into the interest tinto host organism but also
host cell. It can be stably maintained aids in the analysis of the gene of
within the host organism. interest via relevant protein product
expression
Role It used to obtain multiple copies of It used to obtain or analysis the gene
the foreign gene of interest product, which is maybe RNA or
protein, of the inserted gene of
interest
Types They can be plasmids, cosmids, and Only a plasmid can be an expression
phages, BACs, YACs or MACs. vector
Features A typical cloning vector consists of An expression vector consists of
an origin of replication, unique regulatory elements like anhances,
restricttion sites, reporter gene and promoters, termination sequences,
an antibiotic resistance site transcription intiation site and
translation intiation sites, in addition
to having all the features of a typical
cloning vector
 A cloning vector acts as a vehicle to transfer the gene of interest
into the host organism.
 It has an inherent ability to incorporate into the host cell.
 An essential characteristic of a cloning vector is easy insertion and
removal of unwanted DNA segment by treatment with the
restriction enzymes.
 A cloning vector consists of an origin of replication, a selectable
marker, a reporter gene, and restriction sites.
 The origin of replication enables the cloning vector to replicate
inside the host cell; utilizing the machinery of the host, and hence,
Cloning Vector
obtaining multiple copies or clones.
 A selectable marker is an antibiotic resistance gene. This allows the
screening of the host cells which carry the recombinant DNA from
the host cells which do not carry the recombinant DNA.
 The presence of unique restriction sites aids in excision of
particular sequences and hence, insertion of the desired DNA
sequence.
 A reporter gene helps in identification of the successful clones and
thus, their screening.

 An expression vector is also known as an expression construct.

 It is used for the expression of a protein in the host cell.
 An expression vector contains all the regulatory sequences, like
promoter, ribosomal binding site, transcription initiation site,
translation initiation site, that are essential for expression of the
protein product.
 All these regulatory sequences utilize the machinery of the host
organism.
 In addition to all these regulatory sequences, the expression vectors
also contain all the elements of a typical cloning vector.
 Expression vectors have a number of uses. They are used
extensively in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of
peptides and proteins like insulin, antibiotics, growth factors etc.
 They are also employed to produce genetically modified organisms
and transgenic plants, for example, golden rice, insect resistant
plant varieties, etc.
Expression Vector