Which part of the cell is responsible for controlling its functions?

The nucleus is the part of the cell that is primarily responsible for controlling its functions. It acts as the command center, housing the cell’s genetic material (DNA) which contains the instructions for making proteins and regulating cellular activities. By controlling gene expression, the nucleus dictates the types and amounts of proteins produced, ultimately influencing processes such as growth, metabolism, and replication.

The nucleus’s role is crucial because proteins are essential for virtually all cellular processes, including enzyme activities, structural components, and signaling mechanisms. This central role in gene regulation and protein synthesis makes the nucleus pivotal in maintaining the overall homeostasis and functionality of the cell.

In contrast, the cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within the cell that holds organelles but does not control functions directly. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis but are not responsible for overall cellular control. The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, providing a barrier and facilitating communication with the environment but does not directly manage the cell's internal processes.