What specialized organelle serves as the information-processing center in eukaryotic cells?

The nucleus is the specialized organelle that serves as the information-processing center in eukaryotic cells. It contains the cell's genetic material, or DNA, which is organized into chromosomes. This genetic material is crucial for controlling the cell's growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Within the nucleus, processes such as transcription, where DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA, occur, allowing the cell to produce proteins that are essential for various cellular functions.

In contrast, ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis but do not store or process genetic information. The plasma membrane functions as a barrier and regulator of what enters and exits the cell but does not hold any genetic information. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell, as they generate ATP through cellular respiration, but they do not serve as an information-processing center for genetic material. Therefore, the nucleus stands out as the key organelle devoted to the management and processing of genetic information in eukaryotic cells.