Entry courtesy of
The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)

Vector

An agent, such as a virus or a small piece of DNA called a plasmid, that carries a modified or foreign gene. When used in gene therapy, a vector delivers the desired gene to a target cell.
Audio (launches external player)
Dr. Richard Morgan, of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Clinical Gene Therapy Branch, defines vector.

Related Terms

cell, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), gene, gene therapy, gene transfer