Cosmid
Cosmid
Cosmid (/ˈkɒzmɪd/) is a type of plasmid, which is a small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is distinct from a cell's chromosomal DNA. Plasmids are used in genetic engineering as vectors to introduce new genes into cells. Cosmids are artificially constructed cloning vectors that contain the cos gene of bacteriophage lambda.
Etymology
The term "cosmid" is derived from the words "cos" and "plasmid". "Cos" refers to the cos sequence from the lambda phage genome, which allows the DNA to be packaged into the phage particles. "Plasmid" refers to the circular DNA molecules that are used as vectors in genetic engineering.
Function
Cosmids can be used to clone DNA fragments (up to 45 kilobase pairs) that are larger than those that can be cloned with plasmids. The cos sequences allow the DNA to be packaged into lambda phage particles for infection into Escherichia coli (E. coli), which allows for easier manipulation and cloning of larger DNA sequences.
Related Terms
- Plasmid: A small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is distinct from a cell's chromosomal DNA. Plasmids are used in genetic engineering as vectors to introduce new genes into cells.
- Bacteriophage: A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria and archaea.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): A species of bacteria that is commonly used in genetic engineering and research.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cosmid
- Wikipedia's article - Cosmid
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