hiivavektorit

Hiivavektorit, often translated as yeast vectors, are specialized plasmids or viruses that are engineered for use in genetic engineering experiments with yeast. They serve as delivery vehicles to introduce foreign DNA into yeast cells, enabling researchers to study gene function, express recombinant proteins, or manipulate yeast metabolism.

These vectors are designed to replicate and be stably maintained within yeast cells. Common types include episomal plasmids, which exist independently of the yeast chromosome and are lost during cell division unless a selection marker is present, and integrating plasmids, which are designed to integrate into the yeast genome. Yeast vectors typically contain essential elements such as an origin of replication that functions in yeast (ARS), a selectable marker gene (e.g., for antibiotic resistance or auxotrophy) to identify transformed cells, and a multiple cloning site (MCS) where foreign DNA can be inserted.

The development of yeast vectors has been crucial for advancing molecular biology, particularly in the study of eukaryotic gene regulation and the production of therapeutic proteins through recombinant DNA technology. Their relatively simple genetics and well-understood biology make yeast an excellent model organism for these applications.