Outline one type of muscle tissue.

Describe how the characteristics of slow-twitch muscle fibres are suited to a rower.

Outline the genetic mechanism for the inheritance of potential athletic ability.

Discuss the increased maximal oxygen consumption of athletes after a period of endurance training.

Evaluate the use of information technologies to assess rowing performance.

Cardiac:
striated branches <of intercalated discs>;

myogenic/specialized cells contract on their own intrinsic rhythm
OR
involuntary muscle tissue which cannot be controlled consciously;

contracts to pump blood/only example is the heart;

extremely high resistance to fatigue;

Smooth:
non-striated tissue/spindle shaped tissue;

predominantly involuntary muscle <which cannot be consciously controlled>
OR
sustain long periods of contractions;

often found in the walls of hollow organs/blood vessels/eyes
OR
moves food/regulates blood flow/secretions;

Skeletal:
striated in appearance <due to cylindrical cells>;

voluntary control of contractions by nerve impulses
OR
contract in short, intense bursts;

attached to bones/ the skeleton <via tendons>;

support posture/movement of the skeletal system;

produces heat and protects organs;

Muscle type must be named to be awarded marks.

Award [2] max for characteristics from only one muscle type (the one with the highest total marks).

high capillary density which allows large amounts of oxygen/nutrients to be delivered during rowing;

high myoglobin content which allows for increased transport of oxygen from capillaries into the cell;

high number of mitochondria which allows greater ATP production through aerobic processes;

high triglyceride stores therefore greater aerobic capacity and ability to metabolize large amount of ATP for rowing;

therefore greater fatigue resistance and ability to maintain performance during distance rowing;

inheritance is the process whereby genetic information is passed from parent to child;

a child receives two genomes (one from each parent);

children inherit genes from their parents via the sex cells (gametes), with 50 % from the mother and 50 % from the father
OR
most of our cells (except gametes) contain two sets of 23 chromosomes;

potential athletic ability will be higher if both parents had potential higher athletic ability;

a genotype of an individual influences the phenotype of the individual;

a phenotype is the physical characteristics of the individual <eg eye colour>;

some characteristics are expressed by genes others also require an environmental switch <eg VO₂max>;

endurance training results in increased stroke volume / left ventricular volume;

therefore increase in cardiac output;

endurance training results in increased capillarization of muscle
OR
therefore increased delivery of blood flow to working muscles;

endurance training results in increased hemoglobin;

endurance training results in increased myoglobin
OR
therefore increase in arteriovenous oxygen difference;

Strengths:
provides data not available through traditional analysis techniques (for example, power output measurements);
data is objective and accurate;

processed data improves visualization and allows image comparison
OR
allows coach to set training targets;

if feedback is immediate and efficient <commonly with smaller datasets>;

many new software technologies are relatively inexpensive / free applications;

Limitations:
effectiveness of the data is determined by the knowledge and application of the coach;

may lead to over-reliance on objective data;

if feedback is delayed / outdated <commonly with larger datasets>;

Award max [4] for strengths.

Most candidates referred to cardiac muscle. Generally answered satisfactorily.

Candidates often listed the characteristics of slow twitch muscle fibres rather than truly described the benefits for rowing. Candidates also struggled with the technical language.

Candidates answered this reasonably well, often being able to explain in detail the effect of environmental switches.

Candidates answered this reasonably well. However, weaker candidates often listed long-term effects rather than discussing.

Candidates generally answered the limitations well. However, the strengths were often only briefly covered.