Genetic Testing In Sports:
The emergence of genetic testing in sports has gained significant attention, especially with athletes utilising it for performance enhancement ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- This trend has sparked debates about the potential benefits and ethical concerns surrounding athletic genetic screening.
- Genetic testing involves analysing an individual’s DNA to identify genetic variants that can influence health, traits, and performance.
- It detects alterations in chromosomes, genes, or proteins to confirm or exclude genetic conditions and assess the likelihood of developing or transmitting genetic disorders.
- These tests can be conducted using samples from blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid, or other tissues.
- Types:
- Cytogenetic Testing: Examines whole chromosomes.
- Biochemical Testing: Measures proteins produced by genes.
- Molecular Testing: It detects small DNA mutations.
