The continuity of life is based on heritable information in the form of DNA. Explain how the passage of genes from parents to offspring, in the form of particular alleles, ensures perpetuation of parental traits in offspring and, at the same time, genetic variation among offspring.

Define the apical impulse and describe its normal location, size, and duration. which abnormal conditions may affect the location of the apical impulse? explain the mechanism producing normal first and second heart sounds. describe the effect of respiration on the heart sounds. describe the characteristics of the first heart sound and its intensity at the apex of the heart and at the base. describe the characteristics of the second heart sound and its intensity at the apex of the heart and at the base.