Assertion (A) : A lock of Einstein’s hair, if scientists could locate it and extract its DNA, could help in producing another Einstein, by cloning. Reason (R) : The DNA extracted from the cell of an embryo at an early stage of development, can be transferred to individual eggs which in turn can be implanted into the uterus of a surrogate mother to give birth to an identical off spring. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct ?

The Reason (R) correctly describes a cloning approach (transfer of a donor nucleus into an enucleated egg and implantation) used to produce genetically similar offspring, i.e., somatic/embryonic nuclear transfer and gestation [3]. However the Assertion (A) is false: even if Einstein’s nuclear DNA were recovered, producing “another Einstein” is not guaranteed because many complex traits like intelligence arise from gene–environment interactions and developmental regulation, not just DNA sequence [1]. Epigenetic state and mitochondrial genotype (from the egg donor) also influence development and phenotype, so a clone would not necessarily replicate Einstein’s mind or achievements [4]. Thus R is true but does not validate A.

Sources

1. [2] https://bioprinciples.biosci.gatech.edu/module-5-integrative-health/02-cloning-and-stem-cells/
2. [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223960/
3. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: Heredity > 8.2.3 How do these Traits get Expressed? > p. 131
4. [4] https://batch.libretexts.org/print/Letter/Finished/bio-16407/Full.pdf