genilemes

Genilemes are a fictional concept that has appeared in certain speculative fiction works. They are often depicted as biological entities with a unique reproductive mechanism, distinct from typical sexual or asexual reproduction. The defining characteristic of a genileme is its ability to generate offspring through a process that involves the direct manipulation or recombination of genetic material from a single parent, or a limited number of parents, without the usual complex cellular division and fusion associated with traditional reproduction. This process is sometimes described as a form of advanced self-replication or cellular regeneration that creates a new, genetically identical or slightly modified organism.

The term "genileme" itself is a portmanteau, combining elements of "gene" and a suffix suggesting a generative or reproductive function. In the narratives where they appear, genilemes serve various plot functions, often exploring themes of genetic engineering, artificial life, or the boundaries of biological possibility. Their existence raises questions about individuality, inheritance, and the definition of life itself within the context of the story. The specific details of genileme reproduction can vary significantly depending on the author's imagination, ranging from instantaneous cellular budding to more complex internal processes.