The dense, active protoplasm found in the center of the cell is called?

The dense, active protoplasm found in the center of the cell is referred to as the nucleus. The nucleus serves as the control center for the cell, housing the cell's genetic material (DNA) and coordinating various cellular activities, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. It is essential for cell regulation and plays a crucial role in heredity and gene expression. While other parts of the cell have important functions, the nucleus is specifically recognized for its role in containing and managing the genetic information that dictates the behavior of the cell and the organism as a whole.

Cytoplasm, ribosomes, and cell membrane all have distinct functions—cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within the cell, ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, and the cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell. However, none of these structures operate as the command center filled with genetic material that the nucleus does.