DNA libraries, like conventional libraries, are used to collect and store information. In DNA libraries, the information is stored as a set of DNA molecules, each of which contains biological sequences that can be used for a variety of applications. All DNA libraries are collections of DNA fragments that represent a particular biological system of interest. By analyzing the DNA from a particular organism or tissue, researchers can answer a variety of important questions. The two most common uses for these DNA collections are DNA sequencing and gene cloning.

The Importance of Vectors

Several types of DNA libraries have been developed for specific purposes, but all share some common features. The DNA fragments that make up the library are attached to other DNA sequences that are used as "handles" to maintain the fragments. These "handles," called vectors, allow the DNA to be replicated and stored, typically...