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

This old plant stuff also became the germ plasm that Mr. Grant has tapped to breed and select new ornamentals.

From New York Times • Mar. 4, 2018

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

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