by 
The Curious Bag
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In the 21st century, microbiologists work on ways to alter genes and cells. They are experimenting with everything from genetic cures for diseases to altering the evolutionary process. Vectors in general and specifically expression vectors are a major contributor to this experimentation.
Definition
A vector is a DNA molecule that takes foreign genetic material and moves it to another cell. All genetically engineered vectors have a multicloning site, a selectable marker, and an origin of replication.
Expression in Microbiology
According to "Tabors Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary," expression in microbiology is the process that determines which genes are transcribed and translated into mRNA and proteins in a cell. Gene expression occurs in all living cells.
Expression Vectors
An expression vector has been created to express a cloned gene in a certain cell type. This alters the DNA in the receiving cell.
Use of Expression Vectors
Expression vectors are used to create a mutation at a predefined position in a DNA cell. This means that the cell is being genetically engineered in hopes of presenting a favorable change.
Expression Vectors and the Real World
Expression vectors can be used to genetically improve crops. They are also used on humans and animals to help genetically deal with disease.
Source:
"Tabors Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary," 21st edition, 2007
Pub Med.gov: Expression Vectors in Humans
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