Understanding Primordial Germ Cells and Their Role in Inheritance

In biology, "primordial germ cells" (PGCs) are the precursor cells that give rise to the gametes (sperm and egg cells) and are responsible for passing on genetic information from one generation to the next. These cells are formed early in embryonic development and undergo a process of self-renewal and differentiation to eventually become mature gametes.

The term "primogenitors" is not commonly used in biology, but it could be used to refer to the earliest precursor cells that give rise to all other cells in an organism. In this sense, primordial germ cells could be considered primogenitors, as they are the earliest cells to differentiate from the embryonic stem cells and give rise to all other cells in the body. However, this usage of the term is not widely accepted and "primordial germ cells" is the more commonly used term to describe these cells.