VECTOR, PER SE (E.G., PLASMID, HYBRID PLASMID, COSMID, VIRALVECTOR, BACTERIOPHAGE VECTOR, ETC.):
(under the class definition) Subject matter directed to self-replicating nucleic acid molecules which may be employed to introduce a nucleic acid sequence or gene into a cell; such nucleic acid molecules are designated as vectors and may be in the form of a plasmid, hybrid plasmid, cosmid, viral vector, bacteriophage vector, etc.
(1) Note. Vectors or vehicles may be used in the transformation or transfection of a cell. Transformation is the acquisition of new genetic material by incorporation of exogenous DNA. Transfection is the transfer of genetic information to a cell using isolated DNA or RNA.
(2) Note. A plasmid is an autonomously replicating circular extrachromosomal DNA element. A hybrid plasmid is a plasmid which has been broken open, has had DNA from another organism spliced into it, and has been resealed. A cosmid is a plasmid into which phage lambda "cos" sites have been inserted.
(3) Note. A viral vector (e.g., SV40, etc.) is a plant or animal virus which is specifically used to introduce exogenous DNA into host cells. A bacteriophage vector (e.g., phage lambda, etc.) is a bacterial virus which is
specifically used to introduce exogenous DNA into host cells.
