Vector maps contain all the information that you need to know in order to used aplasmidas a molecular tool.

英蒂矢量地图cates the different genes and genetic parts as colorful bars along its length. Usually there are two numbers indicating the beginning and end of the gene. These numbers refer to the distance, in base pairs, from the zero point of the plasmid. The zero point is an arbitrary position on the plasmid. In addition to he genes, the plasmid map depicts the various restriction sites. These are the positions whererestriction enzymescut the plasmid. The number in brackets indicates how many of these sites can be found on the plasmid.

Figure: Example of a vector map

The distance to the zero point can be used to make precise predictions about the size of DNA fragments. If you userestriction enzymesto cut a plasmid in two positions, you can determine the length of the resulting fragment with the positions of the restriction sites.