Cell Biology
Nucleus
The membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the chromosomes and controls cell activities. The nucleus houses and protects genetic material and regulates gene expression.
Biological Context
The nuclear membrane separates DNA from the cytoplasm, providing a controlled environment for genetic processes. Prokaryotes lack nuclei—their DNA floats freely. The nucleus is often called the cell's control center, though this oversimplifies the distributed nature of cellular regulation.
Business Application
The organizational nucleus: executive leadership or headquarters that houses strategic information and coordinates activities. Like cellular nuclei, organizational nuclei can be more or less centralized, with trade-offs between control and responsiveness.