A gene that makes us better athletes ?

More and more often, when we talk about sports genes become involved. Some differences between athletes can easily be seen with the naked eye, such as the height of the basketball or the small size of gymnasts. Some genetic differences are not so obvious. The role of genes in sports is a very widely discussed topic and now we will pick it up for a while.

Genes are a huge force located in our bodies. They are almost the same in all people, but have slight variations, so we are all so different from one another. Therefore, some of the genes are a factor in athletic performance. In fact, a rather small group of genes, can lead to large differences between the two.

While most genes are identical , not all of these are active continuously. Put it in another way, genes are like the keys of the lights - can be switched on and off . Activate the majority of genes every time we eat healthy ( and a part of them when we eat unhealthy ) or train . This phenomenon is called gene expressivity. Polymorphism of  genes makes the difference in the structure of the genes themselves . If two genes are different and are not activated , nothing happens . But when these polymorphic genes are activated multifaceted, and here are the differences.

Scientists have discovered polymorphic variants in 200 genes that have an impact on athletic performance . To be more specific - hundreds of genes are activated during exercise . One of these genes is called ACTN3 R577X. Do not worry, you won't be examined, don't bother rember that. ACTN3 R577X polymorphism is associated with muscle fibers, the levels of force and the difference between the elite and not so elite athletes.Scientists have studied a group of Japanese athletes and they monitored their polymorphism of ACTN3 R577X.  Men with polymorphism in ACTN3 R577X gave better readings in tests for maximum effect.
The results suggested that the differences in the structure of the gene ACTN3 R577X with different people really have an effect on their sports achievements. However , in any case can not serve as an excuse that someone does not make sense to train because " he doesn't have the genes." Differences in ACTN3 R577X in no way constrain rent-seeking skills that can be acquired in order to compete a person of high sports level , but rather will have an effect on the strengths and weaknesses of the athlete . Besides, a lot more respect given athletes who catch their lack of resources, with very hard training , sweat and blood and finally become champions. Now that is something to remember !

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