topic 12

Chromosomes mainly made from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sections of which are reffered to as genes DNA replicates during cell division to pass on the genes to new cells Children inherit genes from parents via the sex cells (gametes) 50/50 many combinations are possible

Phenotype is determined by their genes (genotype

characteristics expressed developmentally by genes: eye colour, sex characteristics that require environmental switch: height, VO2 Max Characteristics influenced by genetics: height, muscle fibre type, anaerobic threshold, lung capacity and flexibility Environmental factors include physical training, nutrition, technological aids and climate Training can take you closer to genetically controlled ceiling Elite athletes can be distinguished from less well performing athletes due to genetic chracteristics and training histories

genes code for the production of proteins (responsible development of and individual) genes can be switched off or on depending on internal or external factors, so that characteristics influencing athletic performance can change multiple genes determine the measurable heritable characteristics for each individual so it is unlikely that a single or even a few genetic elements are associated with superior atheletic performance

process of testing a population for a genetic disease to identify if they have the disease or the potential to pass it on to offspring

blood, hair, skin, amiotic fluid (fetus)

identidy life-threatening conditions like cardiac death predict susceptibility to injury (connective tissue disorder) ethical involuntary exclusion from or descrimination in certain sports the possibility of gene doping in the future to improve athletic performance