What is the difference between a plasmid and a vector?
- A vector is a DNA molecule which can carry a DNA insert to generate a recombinant DNA and replicate in a particular host.
- It is artificially engineered in labs.Also called constructs. Example: Cosmid,Artificial Chromosomes,Plasmid .Apart from containing ori ,selectable marker ,engineered plasmids have an additional cloning site.
- A plasmid is a small,extra chromosomal ,circular double stranded DNA which can replicate independently in a cell,commonly used in cloning .
Occurs naturally in bacteria.All natural plasmids contain ori,selectable marker.