Question

Insertion vectors are a type of vectors. Choose the correct statement for this type of vector.

(a) These are complex vectors

(b) DNA is inserted through many restriction sites

(c) There is an upper limit on the size of the DNA to be packaged

(d) Lambda gt09 is an example of this type of vector

I got this question in an international level competition.

This is a very interesting question from Cloning in Lambda topic in chapter Other Vector Systems for E of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

Right answer is (c) There is an upper limit on the size of the DNA to be packaged

Best explanation: Insertion vectors are the simple vectors and DNA is inserted through a single restriction site. It must be a non-essential gene to maintain phage viability. There is an upper limit on the size of the DNA to be packaged thus only a few kilobases of the extra DNA can be included. Lambda gt10 and gt11 are an example of insertion vectors.