In Chapter 7, the host cells and vectors that are used to enable recombinant DNA to be propagated and amplified are discussed. A range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells can be used to propagate DNA in vectors derived from plasmids, bacteriophages and plant and animal viruses. Vectors are engineered to have particular properties such as unique cloning sites, origins of replication, selectable markers and promoters for expressing cloned genes. Vectors are designed to be compatible with one or more host cell types to enable flexibility in use. When recombinant DNA has been generated in vitro, the vector/insert combination is introduced into the target host cell by processes such as transformation and transfection. Alternatively, a mechanical process can be used, such as biolistic delivery using a ‘gene gun’ to fire DNA directly into cells.
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