**Cytoplasmic Inheritance:**

Cytoplasmic inheritance refers to the transmission of genetic traits through the cytoplasm of the cell, rather than through the nuclear DNA. It involves the inheritance of certain characteristics from the cytoplasm of the mother cell to the offspring. This type of inheritance is observed in organisms that have organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, which have their own genetic material.

**Examples of Cytoplasmic Inheritance:**

There are several examples of cytoplasmic inheritance, but the one that is not an example of cytoplasmic inheritance is female sterility in maize.

**a) Female Sterility in Maize:**

Female sterility in maize is not an example of cytoplasmic inheritance because it is primarily controlled by nuclear genes. In maize, female sterility is caused by mutations in nuclear genes that affect the development and function of the female reproductive organs. It is not directly influenced by cytoplasmic factors, such as mitochondria or chloroplasts.

Female sterility in maize can be caused by various factors, including mutations in genes involved in pollen development, pollen tube growth, or embryo sac development. These mutations can result in the failure of pollen to reach the ovule or the failure of fertilization to occur. As a result, the affected plants are unable to produce viable seeds.

**b) Sigma Particle Inheritance:**

Sigma particle inheritance is an example of cytoplasmic inheritance. It is observed in Drosophila melanogaster, a species of fruit fly. Sigma particles are small, self-replicating particles that are present in the cytoplasm of certain female flies. These particles can suppress the expression of certain genes in the flies, leading to various phenotypic effects, such as eye color changes or sterility.

**c) Kappa Particle Inheritance:**

Kappa particle inheritance is another example of cytoplasmic inheritance observed in Drosophila melanogaster. Kappa particles are similar to sigma particles and can also suppress the expression of specific genes in the flies. The presence of kappa particles can lead to phenotypic effects, such as changes in wing shape or fertility.

**d) Plastid Inheritance:**

Plastid inheritance is a well-known example of cytoplasmic inheritance. Plastids, such as chloroplasts, have their own genetic material and can be inherited from the maternal parent. This type of inheritance is observed in plants, where the offspring receive their chloroplasts from the cytoplasm of the maternal gamete. Variations in chloroplast DNA can result in different traits, such as variegated leaf color or altered photosynthetic capacity.

In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'A' - Female sterility in maize, as it is not an example of cytoplasmic inheritance. Female sterility in maize is primarily controlled by nuclear genes, rather than cytoplasmic factors.