Amphimixis

AMPHIMIXIS (from Greek amphi- from both sides and myxis-mixing), a term by Weismann for denoting the essence of fertilization, i.e., the mixing of hereditary masses contained in the nucleus of male and female sex cells. In connection with the fact that A. occurs after the complex phenomena of maturation of sex cells, Weismann and many more recent researchers consider A. the most important factor ensuring variability. Other researchers, proceeding from the universality of A. (starting from the simplest and ending with man) and its obvious necessity for the continuation of the species, since asexual and parthenogenetic reproduction, in the end, usually passes into sexual, consider A. a process related to the rejuvenation of plasma (see Fertilization).