Information About

Cosmid




Cos sequences are single stranded sequences of DNA, which have been split from the parent molecule by a specific Restriction Enzyme in such a way that the ends have specific affinity for each other, and hence are known as ''cohesive ends.''

These DNA-Sequences make it possible to pack genes with up to 44K Base Pair s, while normal plasmids are able to carry only 10-15K Base Pair s. Cosmids are packaged in phage structures consisting of proteins, which allows the foreign genes to be inserted into the bacteria using Transduction . If the Cosmids contain, for example, genes for resistance against antibiotics, the transfected bacteria are then able to survive and to spawn in a nutrient solution containing the antibiotic and can thus be selected. Cosmids can be used to build Genomic Libraries .


REFERENCES

  • Bruce A. Voyles (2002) ''The biology of viruses'' 2nd ed. ISBN 0-07-237031-9

  • Stryer, Lubert (1995) ''Biochemistry'' 4th ed. ISBN 0-7167-2009-4



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