What are the different types of cloning vectors and their capacities?

Different vectors accommodate different insert sizes. Plasmids (1-10 kb inserts) are simple, high-copy vectors for routine cloning. Bacteriophages like lambda (up to 25 kb) and M13 (for ssDNA) offer larger capacity. Cosmids (35-45 kb) combine plasmid and phage features. BACs (Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes, 100-300 kb) are low-copy vectors for large inserts. YACs (Yeast Artificial Chromosomes, 200-2000 kb) accommodate the largest inserts but with stability issues. Vector selection depends on insert size, copy number requirements, and downstream applications like sequencing or protein expression.