Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pangenesis

noun

/ˌpæn.dʒəˈnɛs.ɪs/

Definition

A historical biological theory that proposed that all body parts contribute to the hereditary information of an organism.

Examples

According to the theory of pangenesis, organisms pass on traits through gemmules from various tissues.
Although pangenesis was a popular idea in the 19th century, it has since been discredited by modern genetics.

Meaning

Pangenesis suggests that every part of an organism’s body sends tiny particles, called ‘gemmules’, into the reproductive system, which are then inherited by offspring.