The Collaborative International Dictionary
Chromatin \Chro"ma*tin\, n. (Biol.) The deeply staining substance of the nucleus and chromosomes of eukaryotic cells, composed of DNA and basic proteins (such as histones), the DNA of which comprises the predominant physical basis of inheritance. It was, at the beginning of the 20th century, supposed to be the same substance as was then termed idioplasm or germ plasm. In most eukaryotic cells, there is also DNA in certain plasmids, such as mitochondria, or (in plant cells) chloroplasts; but with the exception of these cytoplasmic genetic factors, the nuclear DNA of the chromatin is believed to contain all the genetic information required to code for the development of an adult organism. In the interphase nucleus the chromosomes are dispersed, but during cell division or meiosis they are condensed into the individually recognizable chromosomes. The set of chromosomes, or a photographic representation of the full set of chromosomes of a cell (often ordered for presentation) is called a karyotype.
Wiktionary
n. (context biology English) The cytoplasm of germ cells
WordNet
n. the protoplasm of the germ cells that contains chromosomes and genes [syn: plasm]
Wikipedia
Germ plasm or polar plasm is a zone found in the cytoplasm of the egg cells of some organisms, which contains determinants that will give rise to the germ cell lineage. As the zygote undergoes mitotic divisions the germ plasm is ultimately restricted to a few cells of the embryo. These germ cells then migrate to the gonads.
Usage examples of "germ plasm".
We might search your germ plasm throughout your entire fertile period and never come across two gametes that could be combined in this combination.
I wasn't aware that you planners took such an interest in my germ plasm, but you didn't tell me anything else that I did not already know.
The body is vegetative, but Jeff Steinbrenner is confident that regen-tank technology could replicate the germ plasm if we use external redactive input to augment the residue in the cerebellar network and the nervous system of the living body.
Yet its germ plasm is indeed compatible for the nurturing and the service.
Our Ship, who brought us here (blessed be its memory), chose this galaxy and this world for the perfect compatibility of the germ plasm.
That some whimsical biologists take the attitude that our human bodies and all bodies are merely vehicles, or hosts, by means of which our germ plasm reproduces itself?
For instance, Allart, if you and Cassandra chose to have a child, and she became pregnant, then with the aid of a monitor she could probe the unborn deeply, into the very germ plasm.
All that can is something which will change the germ plasm, nuclear radiation, maybe.
If I had had myself monitored to be sure there was no such damage to the germ plasm….
His germ plasm is without peer, and for this reason he is our High King.
She corrupted the germ plasm, twisting and scarring the human heritage almost beyond recognition.
We've undermined the chemical stability of the molecules in the germ plasm.