Lexic.us

Definition of Pangenesis

1. n. An hypothesis advanced by Darwin in explanation of heredity.

Definition of Pangenesis

1. Noun. A mechanism for heredity proposed by Charles Darwin long before the true mechanism was discovered, according to which the cells of the body shed "gemmules" which collect in the reproductive organs prior to fertilization. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Pangenesis

1. [n -GENESES]

Medical Definition of Pangenesis

1. An hypothesis advanced by Darwin in explanation of heredity. 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. Origin: Pan- + genesis. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Pangenesis

Literary usage of Pangenesis

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. On the Genesis of Species by St. George Jackson Mivart (1871)
"CHAPTER X. pangenesis. A Provisional Hypothesis supplementing " Natural Selection. ... Now, though the hypothesis of pangenesis is no necessary part of ..."

2. An Introduction to Cytology by Lester Whyland Sharp (1921)
"Darwin's Hypothesis of pangenesis.—In his Variations of Plants and Animals under Domestication (1868) Darwin included a chapter on his "Provisional ..."

3. The Annual of Scientific Discovery, Or, Year-book of Facts in Science and Art by David Ames Wells, George Bliss, Samuel Kneeland, John Trowbridge, Charles Robert Cross (1869)
"Darwin says, at the conclusion of his chapter on pangenesis: " Finally, the power of propagation possessed by each separate cell, using the term in its ..."

4. The Annual of Scientific Discovery, Or, Year-book of Facts in Science and Art. by David Ames Wells, George Bliss, Samuel Kneeland, John Trowbridge, Wm Ripley Nichols, Charles R Cross (1869)
"Darwin says, at the conclusion of his chapter on pangenesis: " Finally, the power of propagation possessed by each separate cell, using the term in its ..."

5. The American Naturalist by American Society of Naturalists, Essex Institute (1877)
"A PROVISIONAL HYPOTHESIS OF pangenesis.2 BY WK BROOKS. THE value of Darwin's Provisional Hypothesis of pangenesis, as a legitimate attempt at a scientific ..."

6. Evolution and Adaptation by Thomas Hunt Morgan (1908)
"In fact, the curious hypothesis of pangenesis that Darwin advanced was invented partly to account for the inheritance of acquired characters. ..."

Other Resources: