topic 12 - genetics and athletic performance

• The role of genes in human behaviour

  inherited from parents via gametes(50/50)

  multiple genes determine heritable characteristics

  human characteristics(phenotypes) are determined by their genes(genotypes)

  undergoes replication to pass on the genes to a new cell

  Some characteristics are expressed by genes others are influenced by the environment
• how genetics influence human characteristics


  genes code for the production of proteins

  proteins are responsible for the development/characteristics of an individual

  unlikely a gene is solely associated with superior performance

  some characteristics are expressed by genes others by environment

  genes can be switched on or off depending on internal or external factors
• genetics factors on performance in different sports

  height, muscle fibre type, anaerobic threshold, lung capacity, flexibility

  
  

  training can maximise the likelihood of obtaining a performance level with a genetically controlled ceiling
• environmental factors on performance in different sports

  physical training, nutrition, technological aids, climate

  
  

  training can maximise the likelihood of obtaining a performance level with a genetically controlled ceiling
• advantages of genetic screening

  identify genetic talent, tailor training programs, reducing risk of injury, know about possible diseases
• disadvantages of genetic screening

  privacy, discrimination, false positives, ethical considerations, possibility of gene doping in the future
• phenotype


  physical characteristics
• genotype


  genetic makeup/DNA sequence
• epigenetics


  changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression
• DNA


  our unique genetic code
• genes...


  code for proteins