Question

Weisman proposed the theory of
(a) Germplasm
(b) Pangenesis
(c) Acquired characters
(d) Natural Selection

Answer 1

August Friedrich Leopold Weismann proposed a theory that classified the material found in the cells of the body based on whether it is inherited by the next generation or not. He observed that only the traits of some cells of the body were inherited.

Complete answer:
The theory proposed by Weismann is the theory of germplasm. This theory is based on the idea that living bodies are made up of two types of protoplasm - germplasm (the protoplasm of germ cells such as sperm and ova) and somatoplasm (the protoplasm of the body or immunity cells). The germplasm is responsible for the development of the reproductive organs. The germplasm is replicated and passed on to each generation whereas the somatoplasm is formed newly at every generation. This is the reason germplasm is said to be continuous whereas somatoplasm is said to be discontinuous.
-The main disadvantage of the theory of germplasm is that it does not contain any evidence nor the reason for asexual reproduction occurring in organisms.
-The germplasm gives rise to the somatoplasm and affects it whereas the somatoplasm does not affect the germplasm. This prevention of somatoplasm to be passed on to the next generations is known as the Weismann barrier.

So, the correct option is ‘Germplasm’.

Note:
-Weismann is a Neo-Darwinian which is the theory formed after combining the theory of natural selection with the theory of Mendelian genetics.
-There are two types of cells in the body called somatic cells and germ cells. The egg and the sperm are the gametes produced by the germ cells.
-The germ cells consist of the hereditary material, this material will be passed from one generation to another by the process of sexual reproduction.