Cloning Vector

DNA molecule originating from a virus, a plasmid, or the cell of a higher organism into which another DNA fragment of appropriate size can be integrated without loss of the vectors capacity for self-replication; vectors introduce foreign DNA into host cells, where it is replicated autonomously in large quantities. Examples are plasmids, cosmids, and yeast artificial chromosomes; vectors are often recombinant molecules containing DNA sequences from several sources.

Competent

Able to take up exogenous DNA and thereby be transformed.

Nucleotide Pair

A pair of complementary nucleotides (one in each strand of DNA) that are joined by hydrogen bonds.