Genetics and Performance

Question 1

Define a Phenotype

Answer 1

The physical expression of traits as a result of genes

Question 2

Define Genotype

Answer 2

The actual genes that a person possesses

Question 3

List three benefits of genetic screening in sports

Answer 3

• Identify life-threatening conditions such as risk of sudden cardiac death, connective tissue disorder
• Identify potential for certain sports based on genetic profile
• Potential to predict susceptibility to injury (reduce risk)

Question 4

What are genes?

Answer 4

Sections of DNA [deoxyribonucleic acid] that form chromosomes

Question 5

Describe how genes are inherited

Answer 5

• DNA undergoes replication as a part of cell division to pass on genes to new cells
• Children inherit genes via gametes [50% from mother 50% from father]
• Characteristics [phenotype] are determined by genes [genotype]
• Some characteristics are expressed developmentally by genes [ex. eye color, gender]
• Others depend on the environment [Ex. height, VO2 max]

Question 6

How do genes influence humans

Answer 6

• Genes code for the production of protein -> responsible for the development of an individual
• Genes can be switched on or off depending on internal or external factors [Int. hormones, gender, and metabolic activities, Ext. temperature, light and other chemicals that might be taken with food]
• Multiple genes determine characteristics

Question 7

List genetic factors on performance in sports

Answer 7

1. Height
2. Muscle Fibre Type
3. Aerobic Threshold
4. Lung Capacity
5. Flexibility

*It is currently not possible to asses to what extent genetics and the environment have influenced an athletes performance

Question 8

List environmental factors on performance in sports

Answer 8

1. Physical training
2. Nutrition
3. Technological aids [not only “technology”]
4. Climate

*It is currently not possible to asses to what extent genetics and the environment have influenced an athlete’s performance

Question 9

List three drawbacks of genetic screening

Answer 9

• Ethical implications of discrimination beyond sport [ex. employment]
• Ethical implications of involuntary exclusion from, or discrimination in, one or more sports
• Future possibility of gene doping in the future