topic 12: genetics and athletic performance Flashcards
chromosomes
46 in each body cell- 23 from each parent- mainly made of DNA
gene
section of DNA responsible for our traits
allele
- variation of a gene
- represented by a single letter
gametes
- sex cells
- sperm (23), egg (23)
zygote
fertilized egg (46)
genotype
- genetic makeup of the organism
- represented by 2 alleles
phenotype
- physical appearance of the organism
outline how genes can influence human characteristics
genes code for the production of proteins, which are responsible for the development of an individual
- multiple genes determine the measurable heritable characteristics for each individual.
- highly unlikely that a single or even a few genetic elements are associated with superior athletic performance
- genes can be switched on or off depending on internal or external factors
- characteristics influencing athletic performance can change during a persons lifetime
influenced by genetics
- height
- muscle fibre type
- anaerobic threshold
- lung capacity
- flexibility
influenced by environment
- physical training
- nutrition
- technological aids
- climate
discuss the implications of genetic screening for sports, exercise, and health
- identification of life-threatening conditions
- potential to predict susceptibility to injury; reduce risk/improve safety of an athlete
- possibility of gene doping to improve performance
- ethical implications of involuntary exclusion from, or discrimination, in one or more sports
- ethical implications of discrimination beyond sports, for example employment
something to know
- training maximizes the likelihood of obtaining a performance level with a genetically controlled ceiling
- elite athletes can be distinguished from less well performing athletes with respect to both inherited characteristics and training histories
