PCR vs. Vector Cloning

Vector Cloning:

• Relatively cheaper compared to PCR
• replicates entire DNA
• requires bacteria and plasmid
• can be used to insert DNA and produce protein
• requires specific R.E. 
• Has practical uses in treating medical disorder (eg. somatropin for stunted growth)

PCR:

• Requires less time
• Higher probability of damage/corruption.  if only one DNA is replicated improperly, every DNA strand in that set will be negatively affected.
• Only replicates DNA, cannot produce protein
• Useful for forensics; PCR only requires one intact DNA strand.
• Medical uses more centred in help with diagnosis (diagnosis of HIV, looking for HIV genome)