germ plasm

1. the region of cytoplasm in an egg cell that is destined to give rise to the germ cells during subsequent embryological development. Compare somatoplasm.

2. the hereditary material that, according to German cytologist August Weismann (1834–1914) in his germ plasm theory (also known as continuity of germ plasm or Weismannism), passes unchanged from generation to generation in the germ cells. It is now identified as DNA.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

defensible space

a set of principles and guidelines for the design and planning of settings to reduce crime. Among the critical elements of defensible space are the creation of shared territories in which people have collective control, good surveillance, and markers and other symbols of ownership and primary territory. See territoriality.