Theory of Continuity of Germplasm - August Weismann

August Weismann, a German biologist, put forth the theory of continuity of germplasm. This theory states that hereditary information is passed on only through the germ cells (sperm and egg), and not through the somatic cells (body cells) of an organism. This theory challenged the previously popular theory of inheritance of acquired characters proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.

Explanation:

1. August Weismann and his contributions
- August Weismann was a prominent biologist who conducted extensive research on the mechanisms of heredity.
- He is best known for his theory of continuity of germplasm and his experiments with the inheritance of acquired characters.

2. Theory of Continuity of Germplasm
- Weismann's theory of continuity of germplasm, proposed in the late 19th century, states that hereditary information is transmitted only through the germ cells.
- According to this theory, changes that occur in an organism's somatic cells during its lifetime (such as acquired traits) do not get passed on to the next generation.
- The germ cells, which are responsible for reproduction, remain unaffected by the changes that occur in the somatic cells.

3. Criticism of Lamarck's Theory
- Weismann's theory directly challenged the previously popular theory of inheritance of acquired characters proposed by Lamarck.
- Lamarck's theory suggested that traits acquired by an organism during its lifetime could be passed on to its offspring.
- Weismann conducted experiments, such as cutting off the tails of mice for several generations, to disprove Lamarck's theory.
- He observed that the offspring of tailless mice were still born with tails, indicating that acquired traits were not inherited.

4. Importance of Weismann's Theory
- Weismann's theory of continuity of germplasm laid the foundation for the understanding of modern genetics and inheritance.
- It supported the idea that genetic information is stable and separate from the physical changes that occur in an organism's body during its lifetime.
- Weismann's theory also influenced the development of the concept of DNA as the carrier of genetic information.

In conclusion, the correct match between the scientist and his theory is option C - Weismann and the theory of continuity of germplasm. Weismann's theory challenged the previously popular theory of inheritance of acquired characters proposed by Lamarck and laid the foundation for modern genetics.