Difference between revisions of "Disease vector"
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| − | A ''' | + | A '''disease vector''' is an insect, animal or other organism which spreads disease indirectly. It is not the the thing which ''causes'' the disease, but is a "carrier". Mosquitoes carry a [[parasite]] which causes [[malaria]]. Dogs can carry a germ which cause [[rabies]]. |
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| + | In genetics, a '''vector''' is 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. | ||
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| + | In mathematics, a '''vector''' is a quantity with magnitude and direction. For example, an airplane has [[speed]] and a compass heading (e.g., 600 MPH, headed North). | ||
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| + | In physics, [[velocity]] is often considered a vector quantity while speed by itself is a ''scalar'' quantity. | ||
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| + | Vectors in math and physics are typically graphed as arrows pointing in the direction of a quantity such as velocity. The length of the arrow shows its magnitude. This makes it easy to add vector quantities (you line up the tail of one arrow with the point of the other). | ||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
Revision as of 16:57, July 3, 2007
A disease vector is an insect, animal or other organism which spreads disease indirectly. It is not the the thing which causes the disease, but is a "carrier". Mosquitoes carry a parasite which causes malaria. Dogs can carry a germ which cause rabies.
In genetics, a vector is 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.
In mathematics, a vector is a quantity with magnitude and direction. For example, an airplane has speed and a compass heading (e.g., 600 MPH, headed North).
In physics, velocity is often considered a vector quantity while speed by itself is a scalar quantity.
Vectors in math and physics are typically graphed as arrows pointing in the direction of a quantity such as velocity. The length of the arrow shows its magnitude. This makes it easy to add vector quantities (you line up the tail of one arrow with the point of the other).