germ plasm

noun

1. the protoplasm of the germ cells containing the chromosomes.

germ plasm

noun

1. 1. the part of a germ cell that contains hereditary material; the chromosomes and genes
   2. the germ cells collectively Compare somatoplasm

Word History and Origins

Origin of germ plasm¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Are acquired powers transmitted to posterity, or is the germ plasm unaffected by its environment?

From Project Gutenberg

In my opinion, this paradoxical theory of death has no more basis than the germ-plasm theory he has ingeniously connected with it.

From Project Gutenberg

I mean the much-discussed germ-plasm theory of August Weismann (of Freiburg), one of our most distinguished zoologists.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore, in all these cases it is certainly not the "germ-plasm" that is affected.

From Project Gutenberg

These do not imply damage to the germ-plasm, but are products of its vital activity.

From Project Gutenberg