pangene
/ˈpandʒiːn/(also pangen) Biology. Now historical
noun
Hugo de Vries' term for: a supposed particle embodying a heritable character which is present in a cell nucleus and is transmitted to each daughter nucleus during cell division.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Botanical Gazette. From German Pangen from pan- + ancient Greek γεν-, stem of γένος race, offspring, after German Pangenesis. Compare French pangène.