germ plasm

American  

noun

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

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germ plasm British  

noun

1. 1. the part of a germ cell that contains hereditary material; the chromosomes and genes

   2. the germ cells collectively Compare somatoplasm

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Etymology

Origin of germ plasm

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Some would-be architects of our future look toward a time when we will be able to alter the human germ plasm by design.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 3, 2017

It holds more than 500,000 samples of crop germ plasm, providing a backup for the national and international seed banks that donated the material.

From Science Magazine • May 15, 2015

Once these have had their germ plasm preserved, they are sold to other farms to create satellite populations.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2010

It is up to a small group of trustees and advisers to determine whether a severe emergency or some other circumstance requires release of the frozen germ plasm.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2010

Some would-be architects of our future look toward a time when it will be possible to alter the human germ plasm by design.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson