what does the nucleus do

The nucleus is the cell’s control center. It stores DNA and helps direct cell activities like growth, protein production, and cell division.

What it does

• Stores the cell’s genetic information, or DNA.

• Controls when genes are turned on or off, which affects protein synthesis.

• Helps manage cell growth and division.

• Contains the nucleolus, which helps make ribosomes.

Simple way to think about it

If the cell were a city, the nucleus would be the city hall: it keeps the instructions, sends out the plans, and helps coordinate what the cell does next.

Quick note

This refers to the cell nucleus , not the nucleus of an atom.