PCR versus Vector Cloning

Vector Cloning Process:

• Bacteria are able to express foreign genes inserted into plasmids (small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules lacking a protein coat that naturally exist in the cytoplasm of many strains of bacteria)
• The bacterial cell benefits from the presence of plasmids. Plasmids often carry genes that express protein able to confer antibiotic resistance. They also protect bacteria by carrying genes for resistance to toxic heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, or cadmium. In addition, some bacteria carry plasmids possessing genes that enable the bacteria to break down herbicides, certain industrial chemicals, or the components of petroleum. The relationship between bacteria and plasminds is endosymbiotic.
• If a bacterium readily takes up foreign DNA, it is described as a competent cell. Most bacteria are not naturally competent but can be chemically inducedinthe laboratory to become so with the aid of calcium chloride at 0 degree. Nowadays, scientists also use electric shock to introduce the plasmids into the host cell.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Process:

• DNA primers replace RNA primers and are used in PCR. Becasuse they are easily synthesized in the laboratory.
• Taq polymerase, a DNA polymerase is isolated from Thermus aquaticus, a bacterium that lives in hot spring is used as elongating enzyme in PCR.
• By the third cycle, the number of copies of the targeted strands begins to increase expontentially.

PCR versus Vector Cloning:

• Vector Cloning is relatively cheaper than PCR
• PCR requires less time to replicate DNA
• Vector Cloning can be used to produce protein but PCR can not
• PCR only needs a small amount of DNA to work however Vector Cloning needs specific, and compeletly target DNA.
• Vector Cloning needs specific restriction enzymes however PCR uses DNA polymerase and unique Taq polymerase.
• Vector Cloning can be used in treating medical disorder and PCR can be used in forensic criminal investigaitions.