pangenesis

[ pan-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

, Biology.

1. the theory that a reproductive cell contains gemmules or invisible germs that were derived from the individual cells from every part of the organism and that these gemmules are the bearers of hereditary attributes.

pangenesis

/ pænˈdʒɛnɪsɪs; ˌpændʒəˈnɛtɪk /

noun

1. a former theory of heredity, that each body cell produces hereditary particles that circulate in the blood before collecting in the reproductive cells See also blastogenesis

Derived Forms

• ˌpangeˈnetically, adverb
• pangenetic, adjective

Other Words From

• pan·ge·net·ic [pan-j, uh, -, net, -ik], adjective
• pange·neti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of pangenesis¹

1868; pan- + genesis; term introduced by Charles Darwin

Example Sentences

If Darwin had actually read it—particularly as he was writing Variation and formulating pangenesis—this study might have provided the final critical insight to understand his own theory of evolution.

From Literature

De Vries also pored through Darwin's books, and he latched onto the theory of pangenesis—the idea that “particles of information” from the body were somehow collected and collated in sperm and eggs.

From Literature

It was a name that protested its own origin: even though he had systematically demolished Darwin’s theory of pangenesis, de Vries paid his mentor a final homage.

From Literature

Now, I wonder if Mr. Darwin ever took the trouble to think how long it would take to exhaust any given original stock of...gemmules....It seems to me if he had given it a casual thought, he surely would never have dreamt of “pangenesis.”

From Literature

He wrote to his friend Asa Gray, “Pangenesis will be called a mad dream, but at the bottom of my own mind, I think it contains a great truth.”

From Literature