Vector

Vectors are essentials components for recombinant DNA technology. They act as the vehicle to carry recombinant DNA into the target host cell.

Vectors have special restriction sites onto which the recombinant DNA can insert itself. They are relatively easy to manipulate and introduce into the target host cell. Another important property of vectors is that they can be an efficient origin of replication.

The most common type of vector is plasmid, which are circular pieces of DNA naturally found in bacteria.