Expression vector

Pronunciation
/ek-spreh-shun vehk-tor/
Category
Genetics
Singular
Expression vector
Plural
Expression vectors

Definition

Vectors designed to promote the expression of gene inserts. Usually an expression vector has the regulatory sequence of a gene ligated into a plasmid that contains the gene of interest. This gene lacks its own regulatory sequence. The plasmid with this new combination (regulatory sequence + gene) is placed into a host cell such as E. coli or yeast, where the protein product is produced.

Etymology

Example

An expression vector was used to introduce the gene for green fluorescent protein into E. coli cells, allowing researchers to visualize the bacteria under a fluorescence microscope.

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