What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plasmid
Example
The plasmid contained the gene for antibiotic resistance. [plasmid: noun]
Example
The researchers inserted the plasmid into the bacterial cell to produce the desired protein. [plasmid: noun]
vector
Example
The retroviral vector was used to deliver the gene therapy to the patient's cells. [vector: noun]
Example
The plasmid vector was used to express the protein in the bacterial cells. [vector: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vector is more commonly used than plasmid in scientific literature and everyday language. Vector is a broader term that encompasses various types of agents used in genetic engineering, while plasmid refers specifically to a type of vector found in bacteria.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plasmid and vector?
Both plasmid and vector are technical terms used in the field of biotechnology and genetics. They are typically used in formal or scientific contexts.
