HL Chapter 12 - Genetics and Sport

Question 1

Role of genes in the inheritance of human characteristics: (5)

Answer 1

• nucleus is inside of the cell
• chromosomes are inside of the nucleus
• chromosomes are packaged DNA for storage
• in chromosomes there are genes
• a section of DNA is a gene, a gene has the info to make protein

Question 2

where do we get our genes

Answer 2

50% mom (egg with 23 chromosomes) + 50% dad (sperm with 23 chromosomes) = you (zygote with 46 chromosomes)

Question 3

when does DNA replicate

Answer 3

each time we make a new cell
* each cells has to have the full DNA instructions

Question 4

how genes can influence human characteristics 2

Answer 4

1. Genotype (the information)
   –> The genes you have
   –> 2 recessive genes
   –> 1 dominant / 1 recessive
   –> 2 dominant
2. Phenotype (what it results in)
   * Characteristics the genes make
   Examples:
   - Earlobes detached
   - Brown hair
   - Interlocking thumb on top

Question 5

how does it go from DNA to protein

Answer 5

DNA – (transcription) –> RNA – (translation) –> amino acid chain – (folding) –> protein

Question 6

genes: 6 genes on/off: 5

Answer 6

• Genes code for proteins
• Proteins are what cause the phenotype
• No such thing as an athletic gene as it is all about a combination of genes that lead to trait
• Many genes cause a single trait
• Can’t say you have a trait for a specific physical attribute
• Traits are caused by many genes

Genes on/off:
* Some genes are always on
* Some genes can be turned on and off
Examples:
* Balance with age - impact performance
- Genes that lead to muscle development start to get turned off and proprioception → Impacts balance
* Gene for hair pigmentation can get turned off

Question 7

How environmental factors influence characteristics

Answer 7

• Genes give you the range of possibilities for an athletic attribute → environmental factors set where you end up in a range
  —> Genes say your max potential is in the 20-50 range. With environmental factors you get your actual max.
  Example:
• Sleep, Nutrition, Training, Air pollution
• Even with training you will never get higher than your genetic potential

Question 7

example of environmental factors (10)

Answer 7

1. Sleep
2. Nutrition
3. Stress levels
4. Relationships
5. Air pollution
6. Hydration
7. Activity level → training
8. Climate
9. Stretching
10. Warm up

Question 8

example of genetic factors (10)

Answer 8

1. Height
2. Arm length
3. Leg length
4. Muscle length
5. Gender
6. Muscle fiber type/quantity
7. Muscle insertion location
8. Lung capacity
9. Flexibility → natural looseners of tendons
10. Genetic diseases → heart/asthma/diabetes

Question 9

what is genetic screening (2)

Answer 9

• Taking a sample of a person’s DNA and with technology scanning it to look for specific genes and or types of genes.
• This can then tell the scientists what proteins are / are not being made which influences phenotype.

Question 10

ethical concerns of genetic screening (pros-4 ,cons-1 ,limitations-2)

Answer 10

Pros:
* Nutrition
* Detect doping
* Identify health risks (heart)
* Predict injury risk

Cons:
* Know everything → discrimination, exclusion, employment impacts

Limitations: (why genetic screening does not work for improved athletic performance)
* Motivation is not considered
* Environmental factors

Question 11

what is gene doping

Answer 11

the process of artificially altering your genes to enhance performance