Question 1: Genetic engineering involves modifying an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits. In sports science, this technology can be used to enhance athletic performance by altering genes related to muscle growth, oxygen efficiency, or injury resistance. Explain in your own words what genetic engineering is and how it can be applied to improve sports performance.

Answer: Genetic engineering is the process of directly modifying an organism's DNA to change or enhance specific traits. In sports, it can be used to improve performance by increasing muscle strength, endurance, or injury healing through targeted gene modifications.

Question 1: Define 'genetic modification' and give one example relevant to sports science.

Answer: Genetic modification is the alteration of an organism's DNA to change its traits. An example is modifying genes to increase muscle mass in athletes.

Question 2: Describe how CRISPR technology is used in genetic engineering.

Answer: CRISPR is a tool that allows precise editing of DNA sequences by cutting specific genetic material, enabling targeted modifications in an organism's genome.

Question 3: Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a potential benefit of genetic engineering in sports?

Answer: C) Enhanced oxygen efficiency

Question 1: A gene therapy process introduces a modified gene into muscle cells to enhance strength. If the process requires injecting 0.5 milliliters of a gene vector solution containing 2 x 10^12 viral particles per milliliter, how many viral particles are delivered in total?

Answer: 1 x 10^12 viral particles

Question 1: Design a basic outline for an experiment to test the effectiveness of a gene therapy aimed at increasing muscle mass in athletes. Include variables, controls, and safety precautions (theory only).

Answer: The experiment would involve selecting a group of model organisms or cell cultures, applying the gene therapy to the experimental group while keeping a control group untreated, measuring muscle growth over time, controlling for age and health, and following safety protocols such as sterile techniques and ethical approval.

Question 2: Identify two ethical issues associated with using genetic engineering to modify athletes for performance enhancement.

Answer: Potential ethical issues include unfair advantage over other athletes and the long-term health risks associated with genetic modifications.

Question 1: A sports biotechnology company reports that genetically modified athletes show a 15% increase in endurance and a 10% increase in muscle strength compared to non-modified athletes. Discuss the potential impacts of such modifications on sports competitions and fairness.

Answer: Genetically modified athletes could have a significant advantage, potentially leading to unfair competition, ethical concerns about doping, and the need for regulation to ensure fairness in sports.

Question 2: In the context of sports medicine, how might genetic engineering contribute to injury recovery and prevention? Provide a brief explanation.

Answer: Genetic engineering could be used to develop treatments that enhance tissue repair, increase injury resistance, and improve recovery times for athletes.

Question 1: Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using genetic engineering to enhance athletic performance. Consider scientific, ethical, and social factors in your answer.

Answer: Advantages include improved performance, faster recovery, and reduced injury risk, which could push the boundaries of human potential. Disadvantages involve ethical concerns about fairness, long-term health risks, potential misuse for doping, and societal implications of genetically modified athletes. Balanced regulation and ongoing research are essential to address these issues.