While addressing the idea of 'giftedness', David Shenk references Ericsson in regards to his thesis that "extended focused practice has profound effects on, and can influence...the human body such as muscles, nerve systems, heart and circulatory system, and the brain" (251, point 65). Ericsson goes on to describe how 'the gifted' are able to adapt to increased strenuous activity (in athletes, for example) because of the "biochemical [responses] of cells to various types of strain induced by vigorous activity" (255, point 69). How does the body regulate homeostasis in these situations (254, point 69)? Referring to GxE, how does the environment relate to the physical adaptations of the human body? How large of a role does the environment play in the ability of people to become 'geniuses'?
Ria Singh (riasingsing@gmail.com)
Ria Singh (riasingsing@gmail.com)
Homeostasis is crucial for our body especially when reacting to the stress of any type of exercise or training. Homeostasis is maintaining an internal balance in the body relative in terms to pH of blood, glucose levels in blood, temperature, etc. (Campbell 861). When the body does types of strenuous activities our body is put out of homeostasis. Only through the release of hormones typically caused by a stimulus and detected by a receptor, through normally the hypothalamus can help put the body back to balance. Once hormones travel through the bloodstream, they are distributed throughout the body but only certain cells are influenced by the hormones. The hormone then changes gene expression within the cell so that the cell can return to its original conditions.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned by Shenk who quotes Ericsson a variety of our bodies systems are regulated by hormones. In the circulatory system we learned in class a lot about the hormones that regulate blood pH, to flush out the acidity of the carbon dioxide. Especially during strenuous activities and exercise, when cell respiration is extremely active in the muscle cells, more carbon dioxide is produced as a bi-product thus lowering the pH of the blood flow. I believe that the body acclimates and is more accustomed to this environment of the hormone which is a result of strenuous activity. Homeostasis is also involved with regulation of glucose levels within the body through receptors in the pancreas. Alpha or beta-cells can either release insulin or glycogen to decrease blood glucose levels or increase blood glucose levels. These are all ways in which hormones can affect our bodies, and in different environments different hormones will be released.
In terms of how environment affects physical adaptations, every time our body is pushed outside homeostasis it has to encounter different hormones. The persistent changes in gene expressions that continue over the periods of time effect a change in the physiological traits. I think in the role of becoming a genious, one must engage in strenuously taxing activities. By allowing the gene to be constantly exposed to the hormones of increased activities creates the manner in which genious can be achieved. However, that is not to say some qualities must already exist; Shenk does mention in the book that it’s never completely environmental nor completely innate, which means that there still needs to be a gene for the particular talent or skill. What the environment does to the gene is constantly creates a need for hormones to be released to the gene to almost “mold” its gene expression. The more frequently one practices or trains at the highest levels of concentration and energy, the higher chance that one can achieve superiority and mastery.
http://www.kscience.co.uk/resources/ks4/21cscience/b4/specification.pdf
http://jas.fass.org/content/67/9/2426.full.pdf
Kevin.liuxu@gmail.com
Kevin Xu