Question

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis disease (HYPP, also calledImpressive Syndrome) is a genetic, skeletal muscle -

related disease first noticed in quarter horses but now alsoknow to occur rarely in humans. Amongst its effects is to cause thehorse to develop enormous muscle mass. It begins with leaky anddefective sodium channels, the consequence of which will behyperexcited muscle fibers. Eventually the cells become flaccid. Itmight be possible for

the dominant gene to be transferred to human embryos to produceexceedingly powerful athletes. Ask the students what the impact ofthis would be on international athletic competitions andindividuals who are thus genetically enhanced. Provide yourargument with literature citation.