Final answer:
The nucleus, as the cell's control center, contains DNA arranged in chromatin or chromosomes and houses the nucleolus which produces ribosome subunits. The nuclear envelope facilitates material transport between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Nucleus and Its Functions
The nucleus is typically the most prominent organelle within a cell and it operates as the cell's command center. It contains the cell's genetic material in the form of DNA, which is organized into a structure known as chromatin during most of the cell's life cycle. Chromatin comprises DNA wrapped around histone proteins, and during cell division, it condenses to form chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of DNA that carries genes, the units that code for proteins.
Contained within the nucleus is the nucleolus, whose primary function is to synthesize ribosome subunits. These subunits then exit the nucleus through the nuclear pores to join together and form ribosomes in the cytoplasm, essential for protein synthesis. The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear envelope, a double-layered membrane with pores that regulate the passage of materials between the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm.
Summary of Key Points
- The nucleus contains the cell's DNA, which is spread out as chromatin or condensed into chromosomes.
- The nucleolus within the nucleus is responsible for the production of ribosomes.
- The nuclear envelope with its pores controls the exchange of substances between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.