Blog 3: PCR vs. Vector Cloning and PCR vs, DNA Sequencing

PCR vs Vector Cloning

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Vector Cloning

Similarities

-PCR and Vector Cloning can produce millions of copies of a desired sequence of DNA or gene in a very short amount of time.

-Gel Electrophoresis is used to isolate the length of DNA containing the gene of interest.

Differences

-PCR requires special heat-resistant taq polymerase obtained from bacteria living in hot springs

-Vector Cloning requires a vector to reproduce the DNA; bacteria such as E.coli.
-The DNA sequence is inserted into the plasmid which is placed back into the bacterium through transformation.

PCR vs DNA Sequencing

DNA Sequencing (Sanger's method)

Similarities

-PCR and DNA Sequencing use polymerase in their process for elongation.

-A small known sequence of DNA is required for both processes.

Differences
-DNA Sequencing creates fragments of DNA of various lengths which indicates the position of a nucleotide.

-Special dideoxynucleotides with a fluorescent or radioactive label terminate elongation at random points on the DNA strand to create the various fragment lengths.

-PCR copies the whole template of DNA repeatedly.