Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Germ

The term germ has several meanings in scientific, botanical, and cultural contexts. Most commonly, it refers to a microorganism, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus, or protozoan, that can cause infection and disease in humans, animals, and plants.^[1] These entities are ubiquitous in the environment, found in air, soil, water, and on surfaces, with some strains beneficial for processes like digestion and decomposition, while others are pathogenic, leading to illnesses from mild infections to severe epidemics.^[2] In microbiology and pathology, the concept of germs underpins the germ theory of disease, developed in the mid-19th century, which established that specific microorganisms cause particular diseases, replacing earlier miasma theories.^[3] This paradigm, pioneered by Louis Pasteur's experiments on spontaneous generation, fermentation, and infection, and advanced by Robert Koch's postulates for linking microbes to diseases, originated primarily in Europe and North America between 1850 and 1920.^[3]^[4] It facilitated key public health advances, including vaccination, antisepsis, and sanitation, significantly reducing infectious disease mortality.^[5] Today, germs include diverse microorganisms contributing to health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance.^[6] The term "germ" is often used colloquially and interchangeably with "bug" or "microbe."^[7] Other meanings include the embryonic structure in seeds (botanical contexts) and germ cells in reproductive biology, as detailed in subsequent sections.

Scientific Contexts

Microbiology and Pathology

In microbiology and pathology, the term "germ" refers to microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, that can invade the body and cause infectious diseases.^[8]^[9] These pathogens are ubiquitous in the environment, found in air, water, soil, and on surfaces, and they become problematic when they enter the body through routes such as inhalation, ingestion, or contact with mucous membranes.^[10] For example, bacteria like Streptococcus species can lead to infections such as strep throat or more severe conditions like pneumonia, while viruses such as the influenza virus cause respiratory illnesses that spread rapidly in populations.^[11]^[8] Germs have played a central role in historical epidemics, including outbreaks of plague, cholera, and tuberculosis, where unchecked transmission led to widespread mortality before modern interventions.^[5] The adoption of "germ" in the 19th century marked a shift from miasma theory, which attributed disease to bad air, to recognizing invisible microbial agents as causal factors.^[3] This culminated in the germ theory of disease, which posits that specific microorganisms are responsible for specific illnesses, fundamentally altering medical understanding and practice.^[3] Pioneered in Europe during the late 1800s, the theory provided a framework for identifying and combating pathogens, emphasizing their role in contagion and the need for targeted prevention.^[5] Key advancements came from Louis Pasteur's experiments in the 1860s and 1870s, where he demonstrated that microbes cause fermentation and spoilage, then extended this to diseases like anthrax in livestock through controlled inoculation studies showing microbial transmission.^[12] Pasteur's work on rabies in the 1880s involved attenuating the virus in rabbits to create a vaccine, successfully treating human cases like that of Joseph Meister in 1885, proving immunization against germ-induced diseases.^[12] Building on this, Robert Koch formulated his postulates in an 1884 paper on tuberculosis, establishing criteria to prove a microbe's causality: the pathogen must be found in all diseased hosts, isolated and grown in pure culture, cause disease when introduced to a healthy host, and be re-isolated from the infected host.^[13]^[14] These guidelines, applied to pathogens like the tubercle bacillus, became foundational for microbiological research.^[13] The germ theory's modern implications include the development of antibiotics, such as penicillin discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, which targeted bacterial germs and drastically reduced mortality from infections like sepsis and pneumonia following widespread use after World War II.^[15]^[16] Vaccination programs, inspired by Pasteur's methods, have eradicated smallpox and nearly eliminated polio through targeted immunization against viral and bacterial pathogens.^[17] Hygiene practices, including handwashing and sanitation, stem directly from germ theory, preventing transmission in healthcare and daily life as evidenced by reduced surgical infection rates since Joseph Lister's antiseptic techniques in the 1860s.^[18] These interventions continue to underpin public health strategies against emerging threats like antibiotic-resistant germs.^[15]

Reproductive and Developmental Biology

In reproductive and developmental biology, the term "germ" primarily refers to germ cells, which are specialized cells that give rise to gametes—sperm in males and ova (eggs) in females—during sexual reproduction. These cells ensure the transmission of genetic information across generations and are distinct from somatic cells that form the body's non-reproductive tissues. Primordial germ cells (PGCs), the earliest precursors of germ cells, originate in the early embryo and undergo migration to the developing gonads, where they proliferate and differentiate.^[19]^[20] The formation of germ cells begins with the specification of PGCs in the epiblast of the early embryo, a process regulated by signaling pathways such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and WNT. Once specified, PGCs migrate through the hindgut endoderm to the genital ridges around the fourth week of human gestation, though initial emergence occurs around weeks 2-3 post-fertilization. Upon reaching the gonads, these cells enter meiosis in females or mitotic proliferation followed by meiosis in males, ultimately differentiating into mature gametes capable of fertilization. This meiotic process involves genetic recombination and reduction division to produce haploid cells, safeguarding genomic integrity.^[21]^[22]^[23] A foundational concept in this field is the germ plasm theory, proposed by August Weismann in 1892, which posits a strict separation between the germ line (immortal lineage of germ cells) and the somatic line (mortal body cells). Weismann argued that hereditary determinants, termed "germ plasm," are sequestered early in development and shielded from somatic influences, explaining why acquired traits are not inherited. This theory laid the groundwork for modern understanding of germline continuity and influenced neo-Darwinian evolution by emphasizing mutation and selection in the germ line.^[24] The term "germ" also denotes the primary germ layers—ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm—formed during gastrulation, a pivotal stage in animal embryonic development where the bilaminar embryo reorganizes into a trilaminar structure. Gastrulation involves cell movements such as invagination and epiboly, establishing these layers that serve as foundational blueprints for all subsequent tissues and organs: ectoderm gives rise to skin and nervous system, mesoderm to muscles and circulatory elements, and endoderm to gut and associated glands. In triploblastic animals, including humans, this process occurs around the third week of gestation, immediately following primitive streak formation.^[25]^[26] Abnormalities in germ cell development, such as disrupted PGC migration or proliferation, can lead to infertility by impairing gamete production, as seen in conditions like azoospermia or oligospermia in males with testicular germ cell tumors. These disruptions may also result in oncogenic transformation, giving rise to tumors like germinomas, which originate from misplaced or dysregulated PGCs and are particularly noted in the central nervous system or gonads during adolescence. Early detection and intervention are critical, as such tumors respond well to chemotherapy and radiation while preserving fertility potential.^[27]^[28]^[29]

Botanical Contexts

Cereal Grains

In cereal grains such as wheat, rice, and corn, the germ refers to the embryonic portion of the seed kernel, which serves as the sprouting section and is rich in essential nutrients despite comprising only a small fraction of the overall kernel weight. In wheat, the germ accounts for approximately 2-3% of the kernel, in rice about 2%, and in corn around 10-12%. This part of the grain is packed with vitamins including E and the B-complex group (such as thiamin, riboflavin, and folate), high-quality proteins, and healthy fats, making it a concentrated source of nutrition compared to the starchy endosperm.^[30]^[31]^[32]^[33] The nutritional profile of cereal germ highlights its value as a powerhouse of bioactive compounds, featuring high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (primarily polyunsaturated like linoleic acid), dietary fiber, and antioxidants such as tocopherols and polyphenols. For instance, wheat germ is particularly noted for its vitamin E content, with one ounce (28 grams) providing approximately 5.6 mg of alpha-tocopherol, equivalent to 37% of the recommended daily value (based on a 15 mg DV). These components contribute to its role as a superior source of plant-based nutrition, often exceeding that found in the bran or endosperm layers.^[34]^[35]^[36] Processing cereal germ involves separation during grain milling to isolate it from the bran and endosperm, enabling its use in various forms such as oils, flours, and dietary supplements. Wheat germ oil, for example, is extracted via mechanical pressing or solvent methods and is prized for its high vitamin E concentration. However, the germ's elevated oil content (around 10-15% in wheat germ) makes it prone to oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity caused by lipases and exposure to air, light, or heat; thus, stabilization techniques like infrared radiation, microwaving, or extrusion are applied to inactivate enzymes and extend shelf life.^[37]^[38]^[39] Incorporating cereal germ into diets offers several health benefits, including support for cardiovascular health through its unsaturated fats and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and cholesterol oxidation, improved digestion via soluble and insoluble fiber that promotes gut motility, and sustained energy from B vitamins and proteins involved in metabolism. Historically, wheat germ has been utilized in therapeutic diets since the early 20th century to combat malnutrition, such as in programs for underweight children where it aided growth and nutrient restoration.^[34]^[40]^[41] Key historical insights trace back to nutritional experiments in the 1910s that revealed the existence of essential vitamins beyond macronutrients, with wheat germ specifically identified in the 1920s as a potent source of the then-called "antisterility factor" (later vitamin E) through rat reproduction studies by researchers like Herbert Evans and Kathryn Bishop. In modern applications, stabilized wheat germ is widely incorporated into baking (e.g., breads and muffins for added nutrition without altering texture) and breakfast cereals to boost fiber, protein, and micronutrient content while maintaining product stability.^[42]^[43]^[44]

Seed Embryos

In botany, the germ refers to the embryo within a seed, a multicellular diploid structure that represents the nascent plant and is capable of developing into a complete organism upon germination. This embryonic tissue arises from the fertilized ovule during seed development and remains dormant, protected by the seed coat, until environmental cues initiate growth. The germ's primary role is in sexual reproduction, ensuring the propagation of the species by encapsulating genetic material from both parents in a resilient package adapted for dispersal.^[45] The structure of the germ varies slightly between monocots and dicots but consistently includes key components: the radicle, which develops into the primary root system; the plumule, which forms the shoot and initial leaves; and the hypocotyl or epicotyl, the embryonic stem connecting these elements. In dicots, such as the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), the germ is a small, pale structure visible between the two cotyledons when the seed is split open. In monocots, like corn, the single cotyledon is modified into a scutellum that absorbs nutrients from the endosperm, while the radicle and plumule are protected by sheaths known as the coleorhiza and coleoptile, respectively. These adaptations optimize nutrient uptake and protection during early development.^[46]^[47]^[48] Germination begins with imbibition, where the seed absorbs water, causing the seed coat to swell and soften while activating metabolic processes during a brief lag phase. This is followed by the emergence of the radicle, marking the start of root growth, and eventually the plumule's protrusion to form the shoot. The process is triggered primarily by environmental factors such as adequate soil moisture and optimal temperatures, typically ranging from 20–30°C for many species, which break dormancy and enable enzyme activation for cell division and elongation. Without these conditions, the germ remains viable but inactive, sometimes for years, preserving the embryo until favorable growth opportunities arise.^[49]^[50]^[51] The evolution of the germ as part of seed structure represents a key adaptation in vascular plants, originating in the late Devonian period of the Paleozoic era around 360 million years ago, which facilitated efficient dispersal and survival in terrestrial environments by protecting the embryo from desiccation and predators. This innovation allowed seed plants to dominate landscapes, outcompeting spore-based reproduction in variable conditions.^[52]^[53]

Cultural and Linguistic Uses

Metaphorical Meanings

The word "germ" serves as a metaphor for the origin, seed, or incipient stage of non-physical entities, drawing on its historical connotation of a budding or embryonic form that can develop into something larger.^[54] This usage is most prominently captured in the phrase "the germ of an idea," which describes the rudimentary or embryonic phase of a thought, plan, or invention that holds the potential for growth.^[55] For instance, the Solonian reforms in ancient Athens, introducing popular assemblies, are often cited as containing the germ of democracy by establishing participatory elements in governance.^[56] The metaphor extends beyond intellectual concepts to the nascent origins of emotions and societal shifts. In historical accounts, it evokes the subtle beginnings of unrest, as in references to the "germ of discontent" sown by economic inequalities or political suppression, which can spread and intensify over time.^[57] Likewise, pivotal legal or political events, such as the 1735 acquittal of John Peter Zenger in colonial America, are interpreted as planting the germ of revolution by eroding absolute authority and fostering ideas of press freedom and self-governance.^[58] This figurative application has roots in English literature and philosophy from the 17th century onward, evolving from the literal sense of a seed or sprout to symbolize abstract potentiality.^[59] In philosophical contexts, it aligns with notions of latent capacity, as seen in discussions of natural forms where an acorn embodies the germ of an oak tree, representing inherent developmental tendencies. A notable 19th-century example appears in evolutionary discourse, where Charles Darwin employed "germ" to describe seminal reproductive elements and their role in species variation, implicitly extending the metaphor to biological and conceptual origins in works like On the Origin of Species.^[60] In modern usage, the term continues to denote initial sparks in specialized domains. For example, in business innovation, an early viable concept addressing a market need is referred to as the germ of a startup, emphasizing its foundational potential for expansion.^[61] Similarly, in psychological literature, it illustrates the embryonic stage of mental conditions, such as the germ of a phobia emerging from early experiential triggers.^[62] This evolution traces back briefly to Latin germen (bud or sprout), which entered English around the mid-15th century and gradually abstracted into non-literal meanings by the 17th century.^[59]

Etymology

The word "germ" entered English in the mid-15th century from Middle French germe, meaning "bud" or "sprout," which itself derives from Latin germen (genitive germinis), denoting a "bud, sprout, seed, or embryo."^[59]^[54] This Latin term stems from the verb gignere, "to beget" or "to produce," ultimately tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root ǵenh₁-, signifying "to produce" or "to beget."^[59]^[63] The term's earliest English usages, recorded around 1550, referred literally to botanical or embryonic structures, such as the "rudiment of a new organism" in seeds or eggs, with specific applications to plant embryos emerging by the mid-17th century, as in 1640s texts describing the "germ" of a seedling.^[59]^[63] By the 1870s, following Louis Pasteur's advancements in microbiology during the 1860s, "germ" extended to microorganisms, particularly in the context of germ theory, where it denoted disease-causing agents as "seeds of disease"; this bacteriological adoption gained traction in English scientific literature around 1880 among British researchers.^[5]^[64] Figurative uses for the origin of ideas or projects appeared in the late 19th century, building on the notion of a nascent "seed."^[65] Cognates in other Indo-European languages include German Keim, meaning "germ" or "sprout," which shares the same Proto-Indo-European root.^[59] In archaic English, germen served as a doublet of "germ," retaining the Latin form for similar meanings in early modern texts.^[65] The word influenced scientific nomenclature, such as "germination," borrowed from Latin germinātiōn- around 1440 in botanical contexts to describe sprouting or budding processes.^[66]^[67]

Arts and Media

Music

In music, "Germ" and "Germs" have been used as titles and stage names across punk, hip-hop, and electronic genres, often evoking themes of chaos, decay, or raw energy. The most prominent is the Germs, an influential American punk rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1976 and active until 1980. Fronted by the charismatic and volatile vocalist Darby Crash (born Paul Beahm), the group gained notoriety for their anarchic live performances, which frequently devolved into riots and self-harm spectacles at venues like the Masque. Their sole studio album, (GI) (1979), produced by Joan Jett and released on Slash Records, captured their raw, proto-hardcore sound with tracks like "Manimal" and "Lexicon Devil," influencing subsequent LA punk acts such as Black Flag and X. The band's legacy endured posthumously after Crash's suicide in 1980, solidifying their role in punk's foundational mythology. Another notable figure is Germ, the stage name of Jerry Antoine (born 1991), an Atlanta-based hip-hop artist affiliated with the G59 Records collective founded by rapper uicideboy. Emerging from the Southern trap scene, Germ debuted with the 2016 mixtape Bad Shit, which blended horrorcore elements—dark, narrative-driven lyrics over ominous beats—with trap's booming 808s and auto-tuned flows. His style draws from influences like Three 6 Mafia, evident in albums such as Destroyer of Worlds (2020), and he has collaborated with artists like Ghostemane on tracks exploring mental anguish and street life. Signed to G59 in 2017, Germ's output has contributed to the label's reputation for gritty, nihilistic rap. In electronic music, "Germ" is the alias of British producer Tim Wright, known for his experimental techno and IDM (intelligent dance music) works under the Warp Records imprint. Wright, who began releasing in the late 1990s, adopted the Germ moniker for glitchy, abstract compositions that manipulate digital errors and minimal rhythms. Earlier EPs on Tresor and other labels established him in the post-rave underground. More recently, "Germ" serves as the title of a 2025 single by British singer-songwriter Kate Nash, featured on her 2024 album 9 Sad Symphonies released by Kill Rock Stars. The track is a pop-punk anthem protesting transphobia and advocating for trans rights within feminism, employing Nash's signature witty, piano-driven indie pop with orchestral swells. It peaked at No. 100 on the UK Singles Chart upon release on May 28, 2025.^[68]^[69] Additionally, The Germ is a 1992 punk album by American band Victim's Family, issued on Alternative Tentacles Records. The record, their third full-length, critiques social and political ills through satirical, thrash-infused tracks like "In the Graveyard" and "Bad Talk," aligning with the label's DIY ethos and the band's Bay Area punk roots. Produced by the group themselves, it showcases their blend of hardcore speed with funk and jazz influences.

Visual and Performing Arts

In the visual and performing arts, the term "germ" has inspired diverse interpretations, ranging from literal microbial creations to metaphorical explorations of origins and disease. Microbial art, often referred to as germ art, emerged as a distinct genre in the 2010s, utilizing living bacteria and fungi cultured on agar plates to form intricate patterns and images. This practice transforms petri dishes into canvases, where pigmented microorganisms grow into artworks that highlight the beauty and complexity of microscopic life. The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) pioneered widespread recognition through its annual Agar Art Contest, launched in 2015, which invites global participants to create themed pieces using safe, non-pathogenic strains.^[70] By 2024, the contest received a record 445 submissions, underscoring its growing popularity as a tool for public engagement with microbiology.^[71] Post-COVID-19, microbial art saw a notable rise in educational applications, serving to demystify pathogens and promote hygiene awareness through vivid, accessible visuals. Artists and educators have leveraged these techniques in workshops and exhibitions to illustrate viral dynamics without risk, fostering a deeper appreciation for microbial ecology. For instance, during the pandemic, ASM's contest emphasized themes like resilience, with entries depicting microbes as both threats and allies in health.^[72] This surge aligned with broader bio-art trends, where germ-based works bridge science and aesthetics to address contemporary fears of contagion. Another prominent connection is the digital artist known as Artgerm, the pseudonym of Stanley Lau, a Hong Kong-born illustrator based in Singapore since his late teens. Active since the early 2000s, Lau blends Eastern ink wash techniques with Western pop art and comic aesthetics, creating dynamic covers for major publishers like DC Comics. His work on the Injustice series, for example, features bold, fluid depictions of superheroes that emphasize motion and emotional intensity, earning acclaim for revitalizing variant covers in the industry.^[73] With over 758,000 Instagram followers as of 2025, Artgerm's influence extends to concept art for video games and advertising, making his style a staple in modern digital illustration.^[74] In performance and installation art, "germ" themes have manifested in bio-art pieces that probe disease and contagion, particularly in the 2020s amid heightened global health consciousness. Artists have created immersive installations simulating viral spread using harmless microbes on interactive surfaces, evoking the invisible networks of infection while prioritizing biosafety protocols. Exhibitions like Art Laboratory Berlin's Under the Viral Shadow (2020) incorporated microbial elements to explore biological and social interconnections during the COVID-19 era, blending performance with scientific visualization.^[75] These works often unfold over time as cultures grow, mirroring the unpredictable nature of epidemics and inviting viewers to confront themes of vulnerability and adaptation. Beyond these, "germ" appears in titles of traditional visual artworks, particularly in 20th-century surrealism, where it symbolizes nascent ideas or organic origins through abstract forms. Max Ernst's Landscape with Wheat Germ (1936), an oil painting, renders seed-like motifs in a dreamlike, fertile terrain, evoking primordial growth amid surreal distortions.^[76] Similarly, Jacques Hérold's The Germ of the Night (1937) employs symbolic painting to depict nocturnal emergence, with germ-like elements suggesting subconscious germination in a shadowy, ethereal composition.^[77] Such pieces, inspired by motifs akin to Salvador Dalí's explorations of metamorphosis, treat the germ as a metaphor for creative inception, influencing later sculptural interpretations of biological emergence in abstract forms.

References

[1]
Definition of germ - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Listen to pronunciation. (jerm) A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause infection and disease.
[2]
Infection Control Basics - CDC
Jun 12, 2025 · Germs are a part of everyday life. Germs live in our air, soil, water and in and on our bodies. Some germs are helpful, others are harmful. An ...
[3]
A Theory of Germs - Science, Medicine, and Animals - NCBI - NIH
Also refers to the cells grown, i.e., a culture of bacteria. GERM—A disease-causing organism, such as a bacteria, parasite, or virus, usually single celled.
[4]
Pasteur's Papers on the Germ Theory
His discovery that living organisms are the cause of fermentation is the basis of the whole modern germ- theory of disease and of the antiseptic method of ...
[5]
Germ Theory | Contagion - CURIOSity Digital Collections
The theory was developed, proved, and popularized in Europe and North America between about 1850 and 1920.
[6]
About Microbial Ecology | Antimicrobial Resistance - CDC
Jun 2, 2025 · Microbes: Tiny living organisms, including bacteria and fungi, that can mostly only be seen with a microscope. Often referred to as germs.
[7]
Bacterial Infections - MedlinePlus
Sep 27, 2024 · Some types of bacteria can cause an infection and make you sick. They are called infectious bacteria. These bacteria can reproduce quickly in your body.
[8]
[Box], Virus, bacteria, bug, germ….. what's the difference? - NCBI
biological entities that are too small to see — can be confusing, especially since they're often used inconsistently.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[9]
Germs: Protect against bacteria, viruses and infections - Mayo Clinic
Mar 5, 2024 · Germs live everywhere. There are germs, also called microbes, in the air; on food, plants and animals; and in the soil and water.
[10]
Germs: Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Protozoa | Nemours KidsHealth
What Are Germs? The term "germs" refers to the microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause disease. Washing hands well and often ...
[11]
Germs | Hygiene - MedlinePlus
Sep 23, 2020 · Germs are microorganisms. This means that they can be seen only through a microscope. They can be found everywhere - in the air, soil, and water.
[12]
How Infection Works - What You Need to Know About Infectious ...
Types of Microbes. There are five major categories of infectious agents: Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths. Viruses. Viruses are tiny, ranging ...
[13]
Louis Pasteur, the Father of Immunology? - PMC - PubMed Central
And how could he have attenuated the rabies microbe, which is now known to be a virus and not a bacterium? And why did his therapeutic vaccine for rabies work ...
[14]
Koch's Discovery of the Tubercle Bacillus - CDC
In 1884, in a second paper with the same title, he first expounded "Koch's postulates," which have since become basic to studies of all infectious diseases.Missing: citation | Show results with:citation
[15]
Koch's Postulates and Infectious Proteins - PMC - NIH
Abstract. Koch's postulates were formulated in the late nineteenth century as guidelines for establishing that microbes cause specific diseases.
[16]
Miracle Cure: The Creation of Antibiotics and the Birth of Modern ...
Dec 4, 2018 · The book chronicles captivating accounts from the conception of the germ theory of disease and the scientific discovery of these life-saving medications.
[17]
The Discovery of Penicillin—New Insights After More Than 75 Years ...
After just over 75 years of clinical use, it is clear that penicillin's initial impact was immediate and profound. Its detection completely changed the process ...
[18]
Vaccines Through Centuries: Major Cornerstones of Global Health
The nineteenth century was a major landmark, with the “Germ Theory of disease” of Louis Pasteur, the discovery of the germ tubercle bacillus for ...
[19]
A 21st century view of infection control in everyday settings
May 19, 2020 · This paper considers theories over the last 30 years that have impacted hygiene policy and consumer practice, from the Germ Theory of Disease and the Hygiene ...
[20]
Germ cells - Latest research and news - Nature
Germ cells are the cells that give rise to the reproductive cells of sexually reproducing organisms – known as gametes – through a process called gametogenesis.
[21]
Primordial Germ Cells: Current Knowledge and Perspectives - PMC
The primordial germ cell (PGC) is the primary undifferentiated stem cell type that will differentiate towards gametes: spermatozoa or oocytes.
[22]
Epigenetic reprogramming in mouse and human primordial germ cells
Dec 13, 2024 · In humans, primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors to eggs and sperm, emerge around the 2nd week of embryonic development. Between Weeks 3 ...
[23]
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21049/
[24]
Germ Cells and Fertilization - Molecular Biology of the Cell - NCBI
Although such asexual reproduction is simple and direct, it gives rise to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent organism. In sexual ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[25]
ESP Digital Books: The Germ-Plasm: A Theory of Heredity
His main contribution involved his Germ Plasm Theory, at one time also known as Weismannism, according to which inheritance (in a multicellular organism) only ...Missing: 1892 | Show results with:1892
[26]
Animal Development II: Gastrulation & Organogenesis
The three germ layers of triploblasts, shown below, are the endoderm, the ectoderm, and the mesoderm. During gastrulation, the cells of the embryo move ...
[27]
13.3: Embryological Development - Biology LibreTexts
Jul 30, 2022 · During embryogenesis, diploblasts develop two embryonic germ layers: an ectoderm and an endoderm. Triploblasts develop a third layer—the ...Learning Objectives · Practice Question · Embryonic Development of the...
[28]
Pediatric germ cell tumors and parental infertility and infertility ...
Parental infertility and infertility treatment may be associated with GCT development but these risk factors have not been fully investigated.
[29]
Fertility in men with testicular germ cell tumors
To assess the prevalence of fertility or infertility in men before and after treatment for unilateral testicular cancer.
[30]
Primary central nervous system germ cell tumors in children and ...
Dec 13, 2022 · This review summarizes the current diagnostic and treatment regimens for CNS GCT, examines the controversies associated with these approaches, gaps in ...
[31]
The Wheat Kernel
The Germ is about 2.5 percent of the kernel weight. The germ is the embryo or sprouting section of the seed, often separated from flour in milling because the ...
[32]
Wheat quality: A review on chemical composition, nutritional ...
The wheat kernel (Figure 4) (65) encompasses 2–3% of the germ, 13–17% of the bran, and 80–85% of the mealy endosperm (entire elements altered to dehydrated ...
[33]
Anatomy of Rice - Riceland Foods
Germ - The germ (embryo) makes up about 2% of the weight of a paddy rice kernel, and has the ability to sprout into a new plant if allowed to germinate. Its ...
[34]
[PDF] A Mini Review on Corn: Structure, Nutrients, Classification and Milling
It contains approximately 82% to 84% of endosperm (whole kernel mass), 10% to 12% of germ, 5% to 6% of bran and 1% of tip cap on dry basis (Ai, Y., & Jane, L. ...
[35]
Whole Grains - The Nutrition Source
All whole grain kernels contain three parts: the bran, germ, and endosperm. Each section houses health-promoting nutrients. The bran is the fiber-rich outer ...
[36]
An Insight into Wheat Germ Oil Nutrition, Identification of Its Bioactive ...
Feb 14, 2023 · Wheat germ oil (WGO) is the richest source of unexplored antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. In this study, we identified the ...
[37]
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0023643823012434
[38]
Comparison of wheat germ and oil characteristics and stability by ...
Jan 1, 2024 · Oil extraction. Differently stabilized wheat germ was firstly ground into powder, then mixed and extracted with n-hexane in a ratio of 1:3 (m/V ...
[39]
Wheat germ stabilization by infrared radiation - PMC - PubMed Central
Jan 19, 2017 · Wheat germ has an important enzymatic activity, being lipases the enzymes which cause the highest impact in the reduction of shelf life.Missing: supplements | Show results with:supplements
[40]
The effect of wheat germ on the chemical properties and fatty acids ...
Dec 27, 2019 · The chemical composition of wheat germ was determined as 28.5% protein, 14.0% starch, 11.7% moisture, 10.4% fat, 7.5% cellulose, 6.8% ...
[41]
Can wheat germ have a beneficial effect on human health? A study ...
Nov 10, 2016 · Wheat germ modifies colonic microbiota21 and it has previously been documented that these microbiota affect gut health in healthy individuals.Missing: energy | Show results with:energy
[42]
UNDERWEIGHT CHILDREN: INCREASED GROWTH SECURED ...
UNDERWEIGHT CHILDREN: INCREASED GROWTH SECURED THROUGH THE USE OF WHEAT GERM ... Taylor: The Place of Wheat in the Diet , Wheat Studies of the Food Research ...Missing: malnutrition | Show results with:malnutrition
[43]
Experiments That Changed Nutritional Thinking1
Most chemists and physiologists of the time believed that only plants synthesized lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, whereas animals merely degraded them.
[44]
The Discovery of the Antioxidant Function of Vitamin E
In 1934 Olcott and Mattill (23) prepared a highly active vitamin E concentrate from wheat germ oil, determined by its high antisterility activity in female rats ...
[45]
Roasted Wheat Germ: A Natural Plant Product in Development ... - NIH
Jun 20, 2022 · Wheat germ has been recognized as an economical source of high-quality plant proteins and bioactive compounds for food fortification.
[46]
Chapter 14: The Development of Seeds – Inanimate Life
There are multiple retention steps involved in the production of seeds and only the final steps are specific to just seed plants. ... The germ is the embryo.
[47]
Monocot embryogenesis - PropG - University of Florida
The embryo axis differentiates into the plumule (shoot) and radicle. In monocots, the embryo axis also has a specialized tissue surrounding the shoot and ...
[48]
9.1 Seed Morphology – The Science of Plants
A mature seed has an embryo with a linear arrangement of parts. This arrangement is called the embryo axis. The drawing above shows the embryo axis from the ...
[49]
[PDF] Topic 06: Primary Plant Body: Embryogenesis and the Seedling
embryonic parts: the single massive cotyledon is termed the SCUTELLUM, while the plumule and radicle are enclosed by protective structures termed the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[50]
Seed and Seedling Biology - Penn State Extension
Jan 14, 2025 · Steps of Seed Germination · Imbibition. The seed rapidly takes up water and the seed coat swells and softens. · Interim or lag phase. During this ...
[51]
The Science of Germination | Gardening in the Panhandle
Feb 1, 2024 · When a pea seed germinates, it goes through a series of stages: imbibition, activation of enzymes, and radicle and root emergence.
[52]
Requirements for Uniform Germination and Emergence of Corn
Uneven soil moisture in the seed zone can be caused by variable soil characteristics, tillage patterns, unusual weather conditions and uneven seeding depth.
[53]
Seed plants: Fossil Record
Seed plants diversified and spread in the Late Paleozoic. By the end of the Devonian, a variety of early seed plants collectively known as "lyginopterids" ...
[54]
26.1 Evolution of Seed Plants – General Biology - UCF Pressbooks
Fossil records indicate the first gymnosperms (“naked seed” plants such as pine trees and cypress trees) most likely originated in the Paleozoic era about 390 ...
[55]
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/JAMA/articlepdf/383347/jama_249_6_042.pdf
[56]
VIII. Germ Theory and Its Influence - JAMA Network
sense in the metaphorical phrase, "the germ of an idea." In the earlier 19th century, the meaning of "germ" was explicitly that of a seed out of which ...
[57]
[PDF] A History Of Political Theories Ancient And Mediaevel
... germ of democracy lay in two new governmental organs which appeared in the Solon ian system, the ekklesia, or general as- sembly of the people,* and the ...
[58]
Authority and Democracy in the United States
... germ of discontent into the American fabric. To make the world "safe for democracy" required then the simultaneous pursuit of the internal and of the ...
[59]
Weakening the Bonds of Empire | E Pluribus Unum - Oxford Academic
But it does appear that the verdict of not guilty set limits on royal government in the American colonies and in that sense constituted a germ of revolution.
[60]
Germ - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
The older sense is preserved in wheat germ and germ of an idea; sense of "seed of a disease" first recorded 1796 in English; that of "harmful micro-organism" ...Missing: phrase | Show results with:phrase
[61]
The Project Gutenberg eBook of On the Origin of Species, Sixth ...
Nov 9, 2022 · The Project Gutenberg eBook of On the Origin of Species, by Charles Darwin. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States ...
[62]
I know I want to start a business, but don't yet know what ... - Quora
Oct 29, 2014 · ... that solves a real problem, where you know you can implement a cost-effective solution, then you have the germ of a startup. Upvote ·. 94. 91.
[63]
Alain Sylvain on What Businesses Need to Succeed - Bloomberg.com
Mar 31, 2021 · ... germ of phobia as a kid. It's kind of cute to be obsessed but when ... And if you look at this great quote in Psychology Today when you ...
[64]
germ, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary
germ is a borrowing from French. Etymons: French germe. See etymology. Nearby entries. gerhardtite, n ...
[65]
History of medicine - Germ Theory, Microbes, Vaccines - Britannica
Oct 27, 2025 · A 19th-century pioneer in this field, regarded by some as founder of the parasitic theory of infection, was Agostino Bassi of Italy, who showed ...Medicine In The 20th Century · Ehrlich And Arsphenamine · Penicillin
[66]
germ - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
See also: Germ, germ., and Germ. English. Etymology. From Middle French germe, from Latin germen (“bud, seed, embryo”). Doublet of germen. Pronunciation.
[67]
germination, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English ...
OED's earliest evidence for germination is from around 1440, in Palladius' De Re Rustica. germination is a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: Latin germinātiōn-, ...
[68]
Germination - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
1640s, "rudiment of a new organism in an existing one," from French germe "germ (of egg); bud, seed, fruit; offering," from Latin germen (genitive germinis) " ...
[69]
ASM Agar Art Contest | Overview - American Society for Microbiology
In 2015, ASM launched the ASM Agar Art Contest to share the beautiful and diverse world of microbes with the public.Current Winners · Previous Winners · Judging and Prizes · Contest Details
[70]
ASM Announces 2024 Agar Art Contest Winners
Dec 13, 2024 · The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has announced the winners of the 10th annual Agar Art Contest, which drew a record-breaking 445 submissions from ...
[71]
Amidst A Global Pandemic, Agar Art Contest Proves Microbes Still ...
Dec 15, 2020 · ASM announces the winners of their 6th annual Agar Art Contest. Submissions of artwork were created using living, growing microbes 'painted' ...Missing: rise post-
[72]
Comic Covers - Stanley Artgerm Lau
Born and bred in Hong Kong, the multifaceted Stanley wears different hats as an illustrator, designer, concept artist, creative director and co-founder of ...Missing: Injustice | Show results with:Injustice
[73]
Stanley Artgerm Lau (@artgerm) - Instagram
Formally trained in graphic design and advertising, Stanley's art is imbued with a strong sense of aesthetics and visual fluidity. It is a perfect blend of ...Missing: covers Injustice
[74]
Under the Viral Shadow - Art Laboratory Berlin
Art Laboratory Berlin explores various networks – biological, cybernetic, and social – as part of the COVID-19 pandemic.
[75]
Landscape with Wheat Germ (1936) by Max Ernst - Artchive
“Landscape with Wheat Germ,” painted by Max Ernst in 1936, is a prominent work within the Surrealism art movement. Falling under the landscape genre, ...Missing: sculptures | Show results with:sculptures
[76]
The Germ of the Night, 1937 - Jacques Hérold - WikiArt.org
Jul 19, 2012 · 'The Germ of the Night' was created in 1937 by Jacques Hérold in Surrealism style. Find more prominent pieces of symbolic painting at ...