What is the central part of a cell that contains DNA?

The central part of a cell that contains DNA is the nucleus. The nucleus is often referred to as the control center of the cell because it houses the genetic material, which is organized into chromosomes. These chromosomes consist of DNA, which contains the instructions needed for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms. The presence of a nucleus is a defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells, which include plant and animal cells, in contrast to prokaryotic cells, which do not have a true nucleus.

In contrast, the cell membrane is a protective barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling what enters and exits. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis and play a role in translating the genetic information carried by mRNA, but they do not contain DNA themselves. The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and is the site for many metabolic processes, but it does not house the DNA. Therefore, the nucleus distinctly fulfills the function of containing and protecting the DNA within the cell.