pangenesis

A theory of heredity proposed by Charles Darwin in which gemmules containing hereditary information from every part of the body coalesce in the gonads and are incorporated into the reproductive cells.

A provisional hypothesis advanced by Darwin to explain the phenomena of reproduction in organisms.

An hypothesis advanced by Darwin in explanation of heredity.

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.