Biology / Unit 7 Bio 1533 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Plasmid Vector
Captions available
The idea
A plasmid is a small circular DNA molecule that replicates independently of a bacterial chromosome and can carry inserted DNA as a vector.
In practice
A plasmid's multiple cloning site holds several restriction-enzyme sites, giving researchers a choice of where to insert foreign DNA.
Where people slip
A plasmid replicates independently of the host chromosome — inserting DNA into it leaves the bacterium's own chromosomal genes unaltered.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Biology