HESI A2 Anatomy Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The nucleus is the part of the cell that contains genetic material, specifically DNA. It serves as the control center of the cell, housing the chromosomes that carry the hereditary information necessary for cell function, growth, and reproduction. This membrane-bound organelle ensures that the genetic material is protected and organized, allowing for proper gene expression and regulation.

While other cellular components play crucial roles, they do not contain the genetic material. The ribosome is primarily involved in protein synthesis, initiating the translation of mRNA into proteins rather than housing any genetic material. The cytoplasm is the fluid medium that fills the cell and contains various organelles, but it does not contain the DNA itself. Mitochondria do have their own small amount of DNA, which is distinct from the nuclear DNA, but their primary function is energy production through cellular respiration. Thus, the nucleus stands out as the main repository for the cell's genetic information.