What is the Difference Between YAC and M13 Phage Vector?

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The main difference between YAC (Yeast Artificial Chromosome) and M13 phage vector lies in their origin, host organism, and insert size. Here are the key differences:

  • Origin: YAC is a genetically engineered chromosome derived from a specific region of yeast chromosome, while M13 phage vector is a viral vector developed from bacteriophage M13.
  • Host Organism: YAC is an artificially constructed vector system that uses yeast cells as the host, whereas M13 phage vector uses E. coli as the host.
  • Insert Size: YACs can contain megabase-sized genomic inserts (1000 kb – 2000 kb), while M13 phage vectors typically have an insert size of about 1,500 bps.

Both YAC and M13 phage vectors are used in recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning, but they have different characteristics and applications. YACs are designed to clone large fragments of genomic DNA into yeast cells, while M13 phage vectors are used to insert foreign DNA into E. coli.

Comparative Table: YAC vs M13 Phage Vector

Here is a table comparing the differences between YAC (Yeast Artificial Chromosome) and M13 Phage Vector:

Feature YAC M13 Phage Vector
Definition An artificially constructed vector system using a specific region of yeast chromosome A vector system derived from bacteriophage M13 using E. coli as the host
Purpose Designed to clone large fragments of genomic DNA into yeast Used to insert foreign DNA into E. coli
Insert Length Can contain megabase-sized genomic inserts (1000 kb – 2000 kb) The size of inserts is about 1,500 bps
Construction YAC DNA is difficult to purify intact and requires a high concentration for use Easier to construct and manipulate than YACs
Host Organism Yeast cells E. coli
Stability Larger YACs are more stable than shorter ones, favoring cloning of large stretches of DNA Generally less stable than YACs
Applications Recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning Recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning

Both YAC and M13 Phage Vector are equally useful in recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning, but they differ in their construction, host organism, stability, and insert length.