Redseal Hairstyling License Practice Test

What term refers to the dense active protoplasm found in the center of the cell?

1. Protoplasm

2. Cytoplasm

3. Nucleus

4. Chromatin

The correct answer is: Nucleus

The term that describes the dense active protoplasm found in the center of the cell is the nucleus. The nucleus is a crucial component of eukaryotic cells and houses the genetic material (DNA) that controls cell growth, metabolism, and reproduction. It is typically spherical or oval in shape and is surrounded by a nuclear envelope, which serves as a barrier to protect the contents within it. In contrast, protoplasm refers to the entire contents of a cell, including the cytoplasm and the nucleus, while cytoplasm specifically denotes the gel-like substance outside the nucleus where various organelles reside. Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins found within the nucleus, which condenses to form chromosomes during cell division. Understanding these distinctions is essential for comprehending cellular structure and function.