1. The hereditary material of an organism; the genetic material passed from parents to offspring through reproductive cells.
Usage: biology; genetics
2. In agriculture and plant breeding, the collection of genetic resources or seed stock used to develop new crop varieties.
Usage: agriculture; plant science

Examples

• Scientists study germplasm to understand how traits are inherited across generations.
• The germplasm of wild plants often contains genes useful for developing disease-resistant crops.
• Seed banks preserve germplasm from endangered plant species for future conservation efforts.
• Plant breeders select germplasm with desirable characteristics to create improved varieties.
• Mutations in the germplasm can lead to new traits appearing in offspring.
• The germplasm carries all the genetic information needed to build and maintain an organism.