PCR vs. Vector Cloning

1. At some point, both processes use gel electrophoresis 

PCR: To separate the truncated strands from the longer strands.

Vector cloning: Use gel electrophoresis to determine which band is the gene of interest.

2. Type of replication

PCR: DNA is amplified (artificial replication).

Vector cloning: the gene (like DNA) is cloned, through the bacteria growing exponentially with the plasmids as the genes (regular replication).

3. Different tools are used in each process

PCR: Needs some modified polymerase, lots of nucleotides and short pieces of single-stranded DNA as primers.

Vector Cloning: Needs plasmids, bacteria, restriction enzymes, and restriction

4. Each process has a different result

PCR: A large amount of the amplified DNA is obtained for use in forensics and to find out who the daddy is.

Vector cloning: A genetically modified organism is the result for better or worse.

5. PCR is very short, where vector cloning is a very long process

PCR: Just add some polymerase, nucleotides and primers with the DNA, heat and cool it, separate through gel electrophoresis and you get the DNA.

Vector cloning: Cut the gene from the organism, run it through gel electrophoresis, choose the gene, place it in plasmid, insert plasmid into bacteria, choose bacteria culture with plasmid, and introduced to the desired new organism.