Difference Between Plasmid and Cosmid | Biotechnology

In this article, we will discuss about:- 1. What is a Plasmid 2. What is a Cosmid 3. Similarities between Plasmid and Cosmid 4. Difference between Plasmid and Cosmid

Plasmid and cosmid are two of the four types of vectors that artificially carry foreign genetic material into a second cell. Viral vectors and artificial chromosomes are the other types of vectors that carry foreign DNA. Vectors are self-replicative, double-stranded DNA molecules. They are widely used in the laboratory manipulation of genes. The main difference between plasmid and cosmid is that plasmid is a loop of double-stranded DNA, naturally found in the bacterial cytoplasm and replicates independently from chromosomes whereas cosmid is a type of plasmid constructed by the insertion of cos sequences from the λ phage.

1. What is a Plasmid:

Plasmids are extra-chromosomal, self-replicating, double-stranded, circular DNA molecules, usually found in bacterial cells. However, plasmids are not necessary for the survival of bacteria under normal conditions. They contain the necessary information for antibiotic resistance, metal resistance, nitrogen fixation, and toxin production. Naturally occurring plasmids can be modified by in vitro techniques such as code transformation. Plasmids are types of vectors which are used as vehicles to carry genetic information to a second cell.

Features of Plasmids:

• Plasmids can be readily isolated from cells.
• Plasmids are capable of self-replicating inside a cell.
• Plasmids consist of a unique restriction site for one or more restriction enzymes.
• The insertion of a foreign DNA piece may not alter its replication properties.
• Plasmids can be sequentially reintroduced into new cells and the transformants can be selected.
• Plasmids do not freely occur in nature.

2. What is a Cosmid:

Cosmids are hybrid vectors derived from plasmids. They contain cos genes of the λ bacteriophage. The presence of the cohesive end site, cos λ in a plasmid allows the plasmid to be packaged in vivo into viral particles. But, cosmids do not have genes that encode viral proteins. Therefore, the formation of viral particles is prohibited in cosmids. Both plasmids and cosmids share the origin of replication, a marker gene, which codes for antibiotic resistance, and a special site for the insertion of a foreign DNA piece. Additionally, cosmids can accommodate up to 45 kb sized fragments. Since cosmid vectors are capable of inserting large DNA fragments when compared to plasmids, they are suitable for cloning large mammalian genes or multi-gene fragments.

Advantages of Cosmids:

• Gene libraries with small clone members can be expanded into the whole genome with cosmids.
• A large gene can be studied intact.
• Genetic linkage studies can be carried out easily.
• Transformation frequency is increased with the use of cosmids.

3. Similarities Between Plasmid and Cosmid:

• Plasmids and cosmids are vectors that artificially carry foreign genetic material into a second cell.
• Both plasmids and cosmids are circular, double-stranded DNA molecules.
• Both are used as cloning vectors in genetic engineering.

4. Difference Between Plasmid and Cosmid:

i) Definition

Plasmid: Plasmid is a genetic structure in the cell which can replicate independently from the chromosome.

Cosmid: Cosmid is a type of hybrid plasmid which contains λ phage cos sequences. 

ii) Correspondence

Plasmid: Plasmid is a type of cloning vector.

Cosmid: Cosmid is a hybrid cloning vector.

iii) Cohesive End Sites

Plasmid: Plasmids lack cohesive end sites.

Cosmid: Cosmids contain a cohesive end site, which allows the plasmid to be packaged into a virus particle.

iv) Size of the Insert

Plasmid: Plasmid can accommodate a DNA piece up to 15 kb.

Cosmid: Cosmids can accommodate up to 45 kb sized fragments.

v) Transformation Frequency

Plasmid: Transformation frequency of plasmids is low.

Cosmid: Transformation frequency of cosmid is higher than that of plasmids.

vi) Examples

Plasmid: pBR322, pBG1805, and pYES2.1 are the examples of plasmids.

Cosmid: The pHV79 is one of the most common cosmids used in genetic engineering.