What does the nucleus contain?

The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle recognized as the control center of the cell, primarily due to its role in housing the cell's genetic material. It contains DNA, which carries the instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of organisms. This genetic material is organized into structures called chromosomes, which are critical for processes such as cell division and the synthesis of proteins.

Understanding the function of the nucleus is central to comprehending cellular processes, as the DNA within it dictates the synthesis of RNA and proteins necessary for various cellular functions. In contrast, the other answer choices do not accurately describe what is found in the nucleus. For instance, proteins and carbohydrates are macromolecules involved in numerous cellular roles but are not stored in the nucleus itself. Ribosomes and the Golgi apparatus are essential components of the cellular machinery involved in protein synthesis and modification, respectively, but they are not contained within the nucleus. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in chloroplasts, playing a role in photosynthesis, and it does not reside in the nucleus. Thus, C is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the contents of the nucleus.