n. A portion of the cell protoplasm which is the seat of all active changes, and which carries on the function of hereditary transmission; distinguished from the other portion, which is termed nutritive plasma.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. That portion of the cell protoplasm which is the seat of all active changes, and which carries on the function of hereditary transmission; -- distinguished from the other portion, which is termed nutritive plasma. See hygroplasm.