Which of the following is not a vector in genetic engineering?

Options

A. Plasmid
B. Bacteriophage
C. Anopheles
D. Transposon

Answer

To determine which of the following is not a vector in genetic engineering, we need to analyze each option provided:

1. **Plasmid**:
- Plasmids are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules that are separate from chromosomal DNA. They can replicate independently and are commonly used as vectors in genetic engineering to introduce foreign DNA into host cells. Therefore, plasmids are indeed vectors in genetic engineering.

2. **Bacteriophage**:
- Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. They can be engineered to carry foreign DNA and introduce it into bacterial cells. Thus, bacteriophages are also vectors in genetic engineering.

3. **Anopheles**:
- Anopheles refers to a genus of mosquitoes, which are known vectors for the transmission of malaria (caused by the Plasmodium parasite). However, Anopheles mosquitoes are not used as vectors in genetic engineering. They are biological vectors in the context of disease transmission, not in genetic manipulation.

4. **Transposons**:
- Transposons, often referred to as "jumping genes," are sequences of DNA that can change their position within the genome. They can be utilized in genetic engineering to insert or remove genes, making them useful as vectors in this field.

Based on the analysis above, the option that is not a vector in genetic engineering is **Anopheles**.

**Final Answer**: Anopheles

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