ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ScienceEasy
A scientist is observing a cell under a microscope. They notice a prominent, membrane-bound organelle containing the cell's genetic material. This organelle is responsible for controlling the cell's activities and heredity. Which organelle is being observed?
- ARibosome
- BMitochondrion
- CEndoplasmic Reticulum
- DNucleus
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Nucleus
The nucleus is a prominent, membrane-bound organelle that houses the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities, making it the 'control center' of the cell. This matches the description provided.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis and are not membrane-bound organelles containing genetic material.
- B. Mitochondria are responsible for energy production (ATP), not storing genetic material or controlling overall cell activities.
- C. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport, but it does not contain the cell's main genetic material.
Nucleus
A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cell growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
- Houses chromosomes, which carry genetic information.
- Regulates gene expression and protein synthesis.
- Surrounded by a double membrane called the nuclear envelope.
Memory trick: Organelles Orchestrate Life's Functions.