ScienceJuly 27, 2026

germplasm

JURM-plaz-um

Definition

The hereditary material or genetic resources contained within a group of organisms, such as seeds or tissues, that can be used for breeding or research.

Etymology

Derived from the German 'Keimplasma', coined by biologist August Weismann in the 19th century, combining 'germ' (seed or embryo) and 'plasma' (formative substance).

In the news

In the article, the word refers to the biological resources of pomegranate plants, highlighting their importance for researchers working to breed deep-rooted cultivars.

NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,209 24 July 2026 (Space Life Science Research Results)

Read the full article ↗

Astrobiology Web

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