P1-derived Artificial Chromosome

**Semantic type:** Nucleic Acid, Nucleoside, or Nucleotide|Research Device

**Definition:** A cloning vector based upon the bacteriophage P1, with capability in accepting larger DNA inserts. It is used for introduction of foreign or recombinant DNA into E. coli. Hold a larger insert than plasmids or cosmids. PACs are maintained as circular molecules. These vectors contain sequences necessary for packaging by P1 particles, as well as other P1 required elements. Inserts up to 100Kb can be cloned in PACs.

**Synonyms:** - PAC