noun
- small reproductive buds or structures in certain organisms, especially sponges, that can develop into new individuals
Usage: biology
Examples
- The freshwater sponge produces gemmules to survive harsh winter conditions.
- Scientists studied the formation of gemmules in laboratory cultures.
- When spring arrives, the gemmules germinate and grow into new sponges.
- The researcher collected gemmules from the pond sediment for analysis.
- Gemmules allow sponges to reproduce asexually during unfavorable periods.
- The microscope revealed numerous gemmules within the sponge tissue.