Final answer:
The nucleus is an organelle within most eukaryotic cells that houses DNA and controls the cell's activities, including the synthesis of ribosomes and proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the cells of most organisms, DNA is housed in the nucleus, a spherical structure suspended in the cytoplasm. The nucleus is typically the most prominent organelle in a cell and plays a vital role as the cell's control center.
Unlike prokaryotic cells which have their DNA contained in the nucleoid region, eukaryotic cells have a nucleus that is surrounded by a complex nuclear membrane that houses the cell's DNA genome. This highly organized and condensed DNA is wrapped around proteins called histones.
By containing the cell's DNA, the nucleus ultimately controls all activities of the cell, including an essential role in reproduction and heredity.
Eukaryotic cells typically have their DNA organized into multiple linear chromosomes within the nucleus. It directs the synthesis of ribosomes and proteins, effectively steering the manufacturing process of the cell. Some cells, like muscle cells, can be multinucleated, while others, such as red blood cells, lack nuclei altogether.