What is the Difference Between Shuttle Vector and Expression Vector?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a shuttle vector and an expression vector lies in their purpose and the host organisms they can be used in.
A shuttle vector is a plasmid that can propagate in two different host species, allowing the inserted DNA to be tested or manipulated in different cell types. Shuttle vectors are frequently used to make multiple copies of a gene in E. coli (amplification) and can be used for in vitro experiments and modifications such as mutagenesis and PCR. They can be used in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. One common type of shuttle vector is the yeast shuttle vector, which contains components for both E. coli and yeast cells.
An expression vector is a plasmid or virus designed for gene expression studies in cells. Expression vectors are generally engineered to contain regulatory sequences that act as enhancers and expression signals such as a strong promoter, enhancer, inducer, portable translation initiation sequence (PTIS), and strong terminator. They are used to introduce a specific gene into a target organism for the purpose of gene expression.
In summary, shuttle vectors are designed for cloning and manipulating DNA in different host organisms, while expression vectors are designed for gene expression studies and introducing specific genes into target organisms for expression purposes.
Comparative Table: Shuttle Vector vs Expression Vector
Here is a table comparing the differences between shuttle vectors and expression vectors:
| Feature | Shuttle Vector | Expression Vector |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Propagation in two different host species, allowing for testing or manipulation of DNA in multiple cell types | Designed for gene expression studies, typically used for protein production |
| Regulatory Elements | May contain some regulatory elements, but not specifically engineered for gene expression | Contains regulatory elements such as promoters, enhancers, termination sequences, and initiation sites to aid in protein synthesis |
| Host Compatibility | Can be used in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes | Primarily used in eukaryotes, but some viruses can be used for gene expression in prokaryotes |
| Examples | Yeast shuttle vector (contains components for E. coli and yeast cells) | pCI mammalian vector |
Shuttle vectors are designed to propagate in two different host species, allowing for the testing or manipulation of DNA in multiple cell types. In contrast, expression vectors are specifically engineered for gene expression studies and protein production, containing regulatory elements that aid in protein synthesis. While shuttle vectors can be used in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, expression vectors are primarily used in eukaryotes, with some viruses capable of gene expression in prokaryotes.
- Cloning Vector vs Expression Vector
- Plasmid vs Vector
- Insertion vs Replacement Vectors
- Vectors vs Scalars
- Carrier vs Vector
- Viral vs Nonviral Vectors
- Scalar Quantity vs Vector Quantity
- Expression vs Equation
- Viral Vector vs mRNA Vaccines
- Adeno-associated Viral Vector vs Adenoviral Vector
- Arraylist vs Vector
- Algebraic Expressions vs Equations
- Bitmap vs Vector
- Raster vs Vector Graphics
- Numerical Expression vs Algebraic Expression
- Constitutive vs Inducible Expression
- Gene Expression vs Gene Regulation
- shRNA vs siRNA
- Plasmid vs Transposon