Plasmid vs. Vector

Plasmidnoun

(cytology) A loop of double-stranded DNA that is separate from and replicates independently of the chromosomes, most commonly found in bacteria, but also in archaeans and eukaryotic cells, and used in genetic engineering as a vector for gene transfer.

Plasmidnoun

A piece of DNA, usually circular, functioning as part of the genetic material of a cell, not integrated with the chromosome and replicating independently of the chromosome, but transferred, like the chromosome, to subsequent generations of daughter cells. In bacteria, plasmids often carry the genes for antibiotic resistance; they are exploited in genetic engineering as the vehicles for introduction of extraneous DNA into cells, to alter the genetic makeup of the cell. The cells thus altered may produce desirable proteins which are extracted and used; in the case of genetically altered plant cells, the altered cells may grow into complete plants with changed properties, as for example, increased resistance to disease.

Plasmidnoun

a small cellular inclusion consisting of a ring of DNA that is not in a chromosome but is capable of autonomous replication

Plasmid

A plasmid is a small, extrachromosomal DNA molecule within a cell that is physically separated from chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently. They are most commonly found as small circular, double-stranded DNA molecules in bacteria; however, plasmids are sometimes present in archaea and eukaryotic organisms.

Vectornoun

(mathematics) A directed quantity, one with both magnitude and direction; the signed difference between two points.

Vectornoun

(mathematics) An ordered tuple representing a directed quantity or the signed difference between two points.

Vectornoun

(mathematics) Any member of a (generalized) vector space.

Vectornoun

(aviation) A chosen course or direction for motion, as of an aircraft.

Vectornoun

(epidemiology) A carrier of a disease-causing agent.

Vectornoun

(sociology) A person or entity that passes along an urban legend or other meme.

Vectornoun

(psychology) A recurring psychosocial issue that stimulates growth and development in the personality.

Vectornoun

The way in which the eyes are drawn across the visual text. The trail that a book cover can encourage the eyes to follow from certain objects to others.en

Vectornoun

A memory address containing the address of a code entry point, usually one which is part of a table and often one that is dereferenced and jumped to during the execution of an interrupt.

Vectornoun

(programming) A one-dimensional array.

Vectornoun

A graphical representation using outlines; vector graphics.

Vectornoun

(molecular biology) A DNA molecule used to carry genetic information from one organism into another.

Vectorverb

To set (particularly an aircraft) on a course toward a selected point.

Vectorverb

(computing) To redirect to a vector, or code entry point.

Vectornoun

Same as Radius vector.

Vectornoun

A directed quantity, as a straight line, a force, or a velocity. Vectors are said to be equal when their directions are the same and their magnitudes equal. Cf. Scalar.

Vectornoun

a variable quantity that can be resolved into components

Vectornoun

a straight line segment whose length is magnitude and whose orientation in space is direction

Vectornoun

any agent (person or animal or microorganism) that carries and transmits a disease;