Final answer:
Adenoviral vectors are commonly used in gene therapy to introduce healthy genes into human cells and treat genetic diseases caused by defective genes. They can infect both dividing and nondividing host cells and can be produced in large quantities. Adenoviral vectors have also been used in clinical trials for cancer treatment, targeting and killing cancer cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adenoviral vectors are commonly used in gene therapy to introduce healthy genes into human cells for the treatment of genetic diseases caused by defective genes. The adenovirus is modified by inserting a new gene into its genetic material. This modified virus is then used as a vehicle to deliver the new gene into the patient's cells. Adenoviral vectors are preferred in gene therapy because they can infect both dividing and nondividing host cells and can be produced in large quantities.
In addition to gene therapy, adenoviral vectors have been used in clinical trials for cancer treatment. Genetically modified adenoviruses are designed to specifically target and kill cancer cells, leading to promising results in the treatment of certain types of cancers.