Question

Identify the vector which is not a phage vector among the following?

• A. pBR322
• B. MP13MP2
• C. \(\lambda\)gt 10
• D. \(\lambda\)ZAPII

Hint:

• Plasmid vectors Circular DNA, common for routine cloning (e.g., pBR322, pUC series).
• Bacteriophage vectors Derived from viruses infecting bacteria.
  • Lambda (\(\lambda\)) phage vectors For larger inserts, genomic/cDNA libraries.
  • M13 phage vectors For single-stranded DNA production.
• Cosmids Hybrid of plasmid and lambda phage features, for large inserts.
• Artificial Chromosomes (BACs, YACs) For very large DNA fragments.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question requires us to identify which vector among the given options is not a phage vector.

Vectors are DNA molecules used as a vehicle to artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell. Among vectors, phage vectors are derived from bacteriophages. Let's examine each option:

• pBR322: This is a commonly used plasmid vector in genetic engineering. It is not derived from a phage; rather, it is derived from E. coli plasmids and contains antibiotic resistance genes, making it useful for cloning.
• MP13MP2: This seems to resemble a bacteriophage vector, specifically M13, which is a filamentous bacteriophage used for the sequencing of DNA.
• \(\lambda\)gt 10: Lambda phage vectors are derived from bacteriophage lambda, widely used for cloning large DNA fragments.
• \(\lambda\)ZAPII: This is a lambda phage vector used for constructing cDNA libraries, derived from bacteriophage lambda.

From the analysis above, pBR322 is clearly the only vector that is not a phage vector.