What structure in the cell directs its activities and contains genetic material?

The structure that directs a cell's activities and contains genetic material is the nucleus. The nucleus plays a crucial role in the cell by housing the cell's DNA, which is organized into chromosomes. This genetic material carries the instructions necessary for the growth, development, and functioning of the organism.

The nucleus is often referred to as the control center of the cell because it regulates gene expression and mediates the replication of DNA during the cell cycle. Through processes such as transcription and RNA processing, the nucleus ensures that the correct proteins are produced at the right times, which is essential for maintaining the overall health and functionality of the cell.

Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells that are involved in photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy, and do not contain the genetic material that directs cell activities. The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within the cell that holds organelles and allows for cellular processes to occur, but it does not contain genetic material. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for energy production through respiration, but they do not direct cellular activities or contain the primary genetic material of the cell.