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The nucleus is the part of the cell that is primarily responsible for containing genetic material. It houses the cell's DNA, which is organized into chromosomes. The DNA in the nucleus carries the instructions for the cell’s growth, development, functioning, and reproduction. This makes it critical for the heredity and regulation of cellular activities.

In contrast, the cell membrane acts as a protective barrier that encloses the cell and regulates what enters and exits. The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance outside the nucleus that contains organelles and is where many cellular processes occur, but it does not contain the genetic material itself. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis and do not contain genetic material. Understanding these distinct functions clarifies why the nucleus is recognized as the key component storing genetic information in the cell.