Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis disease (HYPP, also called Impressive Syndrome)
ID: 48276 • Letter: H
Question
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis disease (HYPP, also called Impressive Syndrome) is a genetic, skeletal muscle -
related disease first noticed in quarter horses but now also know to occur rarely in humans. Amongst its effects is to cause the horse to develop enormous muscle mass. It begins with leaky and defective sodium channels, the consequence of which will be hyperexcited muscle fibers. Eventually the cells become flaccid. It might be possible for
the dominant gene to be transferred to human embryos to produce exceedingly powerful athletes. Ask the students what the impact of this would be on international athletic competitions and individuals who are thus genetically enhanced. Provide your argument with literature citation.
Explanation / Answer
The impact of this would be disastrous as athletes with altered genetic composition would have advantage over those who are not and will be a threat to the whole world. Practice, hard work, talent and honesty in the sport would take a backseat and only winning would matter. Moreover, sportspersons who are considered to be very fit would at first reap the benefits of the gene alteration but since this is an autosomal dominant condition therefore, at later stages they will have to suffer from dire consequences of the disease.
Literature Citation:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2453248/
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.