Expression vector
An
expression vector is a relatively small
DNA molecule that can be used to carry a specific
gene into a target cell. Once the expression vector is inside the cell, the
protein that is
coded for by the gene is produced by the normal
transcription and
translation processes of the host cell. Expression vectors are used for
molecular biology techniques such as
site-directed mutagenesis. In general, DNA
vectors that are used in many molecular biology gene
cloning experiments need not result in the expression of a protein. Expression vectors are often specifically designed to contain non-protein-coding sequences that act as
enhancer and
promoter regions and allow efficient transcription of the gene that is carried on the expression vector. Expression vectors are basic tools for
biotechnology and the production of proteins such as
insulin that are important for medical treatments of specific diseases like
diabetes.