Which organelle contains the DNA and provides instructions for cellular functions?

• A. Chromosomes
• B. Nucleus
• C. Cytoplasm
• D. Mitochondria

Answer: (B)

DNA stores the cell’s instructions, and in eukaryotic cells those instructions are housed and read in the nucleus. The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell’s DNA organized into chromosomes and acts as the control center for the cell. It regulates gene expression by transcribing DNA into RNA, which then guides the production of proteins that drive cellular functions. So, the nucleus is the key structure that both contains the genetic material and directs how the cell operates. Chromosomes reside within the nucleus and carry the genes, mitochondria do contain some DNA but are primarily responsible for energy production, and the cytoplasm lacks DNA.