IGCSE Biology - genetic modification

This is part of the specification:

what does this mean??

1. describe how plasmids and viruses can act as vectors, which take up piecesof DNA, then insert this recombinant DNA into other cells
   

Look here? http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/show....php?t=3933981

Im studying this at the moment! Im sure I wont be able to give you the best answer but here it goes!

A vector takes pieces of DNA and inserts them into other cells using restriction enzymes (To remove the gene from the DNA) and other enzymes to 'glue' their own DNA back in. In a viruses case it would be a gene which would cause a cell to mass produce more viruses. an example of this in genetic modification is the modification of a bacterium plasmid (Basically just a floating nucleus in a bacteria) and the insertion of a human insulin gene. So the bacteria produces insulin which can be used to treat diabetes.

So to summarize a virus can act as a vector which can go to a 'victim cell' use restriction enzymes to extract a DNA at a specific area and a ligase enzyme to join up the DNA with its own variation.Tricky topic, took me a while to understand it hope this helps! As I said I am also a IGCSE student so probably not the best answer out there feel free to respond if I haven't made it clear