Germ plasm

If heredity depends on the presence of a substance, the germ-plasm, which causes the production of the new individual by directing the process of division in ontogeny, in the course of which it becomes changed in a regular manner, the question arises as to how unaltered germ-plasm can nevertheless reappear in the germ-cells of the new individual.

The germ plasm is of paramount interest, not only to the biologist but to all thinking persons, because while the somatic cells cease to exist with the death of the individual whose body they constitute, the germ plasm may live on indefinitely in succeeding generations.

The eugenics movement […] placed the blame squarely on the degenerative germ plasm passed down from generation to generation, corrupting entire bloodlines.

2014, Eva Jablonka, Marion J. Lamb, Evolution in Four Dimensions, The MIT Press (Bradford Books), page 19, He reasoned that since the father's germ plasm in the sperm mixes with the mother's germ plasm in the egg, there are two mingled germ plasms in their offspring.

Although the IRRI has taken on the global responsibility of conserving rice germ plasm, we find it necessary to enlist the collaboration of other international and national organizations in achieving the goals.