gemmule

A noun referring to a hypothetical, physically discrete particle proposed by Charles Darwin as the unit of heredity, responsible for transmitting characteristics from parent to offspring.

• 🇩🇪Hypothetisches, physisch diskretes Erbteilchen, das Charles Darwin als Einheit der Vererbung zur Übertragung von Merkmalen von Eltern auf Nachkommen vorschlug. In der Biologie auch eine kleine Knospe oder ein Brutkörper, insbesondere bei Schwämmen.

1. Darwinian hereditary unit C2 formal scientific

   A hypothetical minute particle or unit, proposed by Charles Darwin, that was believed to carry hereditary information and to be transferred from all parts of the body to the reproductive cells.

   • Darwin's theory of pangenesis suggested that gemmules collected in the reproductive organs.
   • Many scientists of the 19th century debated the existence of gemmules.
   • Gemmules were thought to be responsible for transmitting acquired characteristics.

   🇩🇪Gemmula

2. Sponge reproductive structure C1 formal scientific

   A small, protective bud-like structure formed by certain sponges, capable of surviving unfavorable conditions and developing into a new sponge.

   • Freshwater sponges produce gemmules to survive the winter.
   • The gemmule contains a mass of cells surrounded by a tough coat.
   • When conditions improve, the gemmule hatches and grows into a new sponge.

   🇩🇪Gemmula

• gemmules plural form
• gemmules' possessive plural form
• gemmule's possessive singular form