Cloning Vector : Vehicle for transport foreign DNA into Host cell.

A DNA molecule that can carry inserted DNA and can be perpetuated in host cell is called cloning vector.

A Vector for cloning should

a) have origin of replication which makes them replicate inside an appropriate host, even though a foreign DNA is present.  

b) have a site for inserting the target gene.

c) have restriction enzyme site for cutting and inserting the target gene.

d) have a selectable marker for identify the cloning containing the targeting gene.

e) be small with an ideal size of less than 10 kb. (large size tends to break during purification process)

There four major types of vectors:

1) Plasmids

2) bacteriophages and other viruses

3) cosmids

4) Artificial chromosomes

(Note is incomplete. Will be updated soon. )