The Genotype as the Sum of Plasmatype and Chromotype

Abstract

Although the cytoplasmic factors in maize and other organisms are under chromogenic control it is equally true that the chromogenes are also subject to cytoplasmic regulation. In other words, they are both mutually interdependent and both types of controlling factors can remain in combination for an indefinite number of generations without alteration. It now seems necessary to extend genetic terminology to include both chromosomal and non-chromosomal hereditary material. The terms generally used in genetic publications are listed with the suggestion that the word gene be used as a general term to include both plasmagene and chromogene; that cytom include both plasmon and genom, and genotype include both plasmatype and chromatype.