| Cloning vector | Size of DNA that can be cloned | Method of propagation | Introduction to bacteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasmid | As large as 15 kb | Plasmid replication | Transformation |
| Phage λ | As large as 23 kb | Phage reproduction | Phage infection |
| Cosmid | As large as 44 kb | Plasmid reproduction | Phage infection |
| Bacterial artificial chromosome | As large as 300 kb | Plasmid reproduction | Electroporation |
|
Note: 1 kb = 1000 bp. Electroporation is the use of electrical pulses to increase the permeability of a membrane. |
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