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.

• 🇵🇹Substantivo que designa uma partícula hipotética, fisicamente discreta, proposta por Charles Darwin como unidade de hereditariedade responsável pela transmissão de características dos pais para a prole.

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.

   🇵🇹Gêmula

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.

   🇵🇹Gêmula

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