PCR vs. Vector Cloning

PCR

VC

Purpose
PCR- to amplify a piece of DNA in small amount of time
Vector Cloning- to replicate the plasmid containing the recombinant DNA

Application
PCR- often used by forensic scientists when there are not a lot of DNA samples
VC- to insert a specific foreign gene into an organism

Requirement
PCR- DNA segment
VC- plasmid, bacterium, and recombinant DNA

Process
PCR- a three step cycle of heating, cooling, then replicating
VC- gene is inserted into the plasmid, which is placed back into bacterium where it will replicate with the recombinant plasmid