PCR vs Vector Cloning

1. Vector Cloning requires a formation of recombinant DNA.

• recombinant DNA is a fragment of DNA composed of sequences originating from at least two different sources. 
• in order to carry out mass production of target gene, the foreign genes are inserted in to plasmids

PCR does not require recombinant DNA, the gene can be duplicated in a test tube without the use of medium 

2. Vector Cloning require restriction enzymes to cut the targeted genes in order to produce recombinant DNA

• enzymes recognize and cut the DNA molecule at a specific location with specific DNA sequence called restriction site

PCR require special DNA polymerase called Taq polymerase 

• Taq polymerase is isolated from bacteria living in hot spring
• they have adapted to withstand the heat thus they have the ability to function in extreme conditions

3. PCR require a three step cycle of heating, cooling and replication

• the gene is heated at a right temperature and hydrogen bonds between the two strands are broken
• then it is cooled to anneal DNA primers (synthesized in labs) 
• after, the Taq polymerase can build complementary strands

For Vector Cloning ligase is needed to seal the strand of gene and plasmid by the formation of phosphodiester bonds. From then as bacteria multiply, so is the gene. 

4. PCR can amplify DNA from a limited amount of sources. Also it is very rapid. 

Vector cloning is very fast because the bacteria divides fast/reproduce. However, it would not be efficient when it comes to the amount of sample and it isn't as fast as PCR

5. Vector cloning is easy because the scientists know a great deal about bacteria. They have great knowledge of bacteria, the sequence of plasmid, the restriction sites and the glue making it very easy to harvest plasmid and manipulate it. Also, bacteria has stale plasmid.

PCR is all very controlled by human. The special polymerase, a supply of nucleotides and short pieces of single-stranded DNA as a primers are all provided.