Vector - GCSE Biology Definition

In GCSE Biology, a 'vector' is an organism that does not cause disease itself but spreads infection by carrying and transmitting pathogens to other living things. For example, mosquitoes are vectors for malaria because they carry the parasite from one person to another when they bite. Studying vectors is important because they help us understand how diseases spread and how we can prevent them. Scientists often look for ways to control vectors to reduce the number of people who get sick.