Which part of the cell contains genetic material?

The nucleus is the part of the cell that contains genetic material, specifically DNA. This genetic material carries the instructions necessary for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of the organism. The nucleus is often referred to as the control center of the cell because it regulates gene expression and mediates the replication of DNA during the cell cycle.

In contrast, the cell membrane serves as a protective barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell but does not house genetic material. The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance within the cell membrane where various organelles are located and cellular processes occur; while it also contains RNA and proteins, it does not contain the DNA itself. Mitochondria, known as the powerhouses of the cell, are responsible for energy production and have their own DNA, but they do not contain the complete set of genetic information that is housed in the nucleus.