DNA vectors and gene amplification

A vector is a DNA that can be used to amplify another piece of DNA

plasmid DNA is used as a DNA vector

plasmids are small circular DNAs found in many bacteria.

Smaller and distinct from the bacterial chromosome

may have genes for antibiotic resistance and other functions

can be genetically engineered to carry DNA from another species

viral DNA is used as a vector

some viral DNAs can also be used as vectors

and can be genetically engineered to carry DNA from another species

 

gene amplification

making billions of copies of some interesting gene