​Vector
Definition
A vector, as related to molecular biology, is a DNA molecule (often plasmid or virus) that is used as a vehicle to carry a particular DNA segment into a host cell as part of a cloning or recombinant DNA technique. The vector typically assists in replicating and/or expressing the inserted DNA sequence inside the host cell.
Narration
Vector. The word "vector" has different meanings depending on the context of use. For example, some would describe a vector as part of the definition of a gene therapy treatment, such as a viral vector. A further example would be the name of the virus attached to the vector, such as an adeno-associated viral vector. In gene therapy applications, vectors are the agents which deliver genes to cells to treat disease.