gemmule

American  

[jem-yool] / ˈdʒɛm jul /

noun

1. Botany. gemma.

2. Zoology. an asexually produced mass of cells that is capable of developing into an animal, as a freshwater sponge.

3. Evolution. one of the hypothetical living units conceived by Darwin in the theory of pangenesis as the bearers of the hereditary attributes.

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gemmule British  

/ ˈdʒɛmjuːl /

noun

1. zoology a cell or mass of cells produced asexually by sponges and developing into a new individual; bud

2. botany a small gemma

3. a small hereditary particle postulated by Darwin in his theory of pangenesis

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gemmule Scientific  

/ jĕm′yo̅o̅l /

1. A small gemma or similar structure, especially a reproductive structure in some sponges that remains dormant through the winter and later develops into a new individual.

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Etymology

Origin of gemmule

1835–45; < French < Latin gemmula. See gemma, -ule

Example Sentences

In 1883, with rather grim determination, the German embryologist August Weismann had performed an experiment that directly attacked Darwin's gemmule theory of heredity.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

The gemmule-spicules lie in the membrane or membranes parallel to the surface of the gemmule, and are often so arranged as to resemble a mosaic.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

B. Microscleres of the gemmule with comb-like vertical rows of spines at both ends Pectispongilla, p.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

D. Microscleres of the gemmule without a trace of rotules, those of the parenchyma birotulate Corvospongilla, nov., p.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson

This sponge is allied to S. indica, but is distinguished among other characters by its sharp skeleton-spicules and by the fact that the gemmule is covered by two chitinous membranes instead of one.

From Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa by Annandale, Nelson