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pangenesis

pangenesis


  1  definition  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Pangenesis  \Pan*gen"e*sis\,  n.  [Pan-  +  genesis.]  (Biol.) 
  An  hypothesis  advanced  by  Darwin  in  explanation  of  heredity. 
 
  Note:  The  theory  rests  on  the  assumption,  that  the  whole 
  organization,  in  the  sense  of  every  separate  atom  or 
  unit,  reproduces  itself  the  cells  throwing  off  minute 
  granules  called  gemmules,  which  circulate  freely 
  throughout  the  system  and  multiply  by  subdivision. 
  These  gemmules  collect  in  the  reproductive  organs  and 
  products,  or  in  buds,  so  that  the  egg  or  bud  contains 
  gemmules  from  all  parts  of  the  parent  or  parents,  which 
  in  development  give  rise  to  cells  in  the  offspring 
  similar  to  those  from  which  they  were  given  off  in  the 
  parent.  The  hypothesis  also  assumes  that  these  gemmules 
  need  not  in  all  cases  develop  into  cells,  but  may  lie 
  dormant,  and  be  transmitted  from  generation  to 
  generation  without  producing  a  noticeable  effect  until 
  a  case  of  atavism  occurs.