In what part of the cell is DNA found?

DNA is primarily located in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. The nucleus serves as the cell's command center, housing the genetic material, which is critical for the regulation of cell activities and heredity. It is within the nucleus that DNA is organized into structures known as chromosomes. These chromosomes contain the genes that are essential for the synthesis of proteins and the regulation of cellular functions. The nuclear envelope, a double membrane, protects the DNA and separates it from the cytoplasm, ensuring that the genetic material is safely kept distinct from other cellular processes taking place outside the nucleus.

In contrast, ribosomes, which are involved in protein synthesis, are found in the cytoplasm and on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, but they do not contain DNA. The cytoplasm itself is the area within the cell membrane that contains various organelles but also does not house DNA. The cell membrane, on the other hand, is a protective barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling what enters and exits but has no function related to the storage of genetic information. Therefore, the nucleus is the only option that accurately reflects the location of DNA within a eukaryotic cell.