Microbiology Practice Exam

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In microbiology, what does the term 'vector' commonly refer to?

A type of bacteria
A plasmid for DNA injection
A viral agent
A method of transmission

The correct answer is: A plasmid for DNA injection

In microbiology, the term 'vector' typically refers to an organism or an agent that carries and transmits pathogens or genetic material from one host to another. While a plasmid can play a role in gene transfer, it does not encompass the broader definition of 'vector' in the context of biological transmission. The correct context for the term 'vector' often refers to living organisms, such as insects or ticks, which are involved in the transmission of diseases. For example, mosquitoes serve as vectors for diseases like malaria and dengue fever. This understanding illustrates that while plasmids can facilitate the transfer of genes in laboratory settings or in the context of genetic engineering, they do not represent the main concept of a 'vector' as it is understood in epidemiology or microbiology related to disease transmission. Plasmids are tools used in molecular biology for genetic manipulation rather than organisms that carry pathogens between hosts.