# Explain why the nucleus is described as the 'control centre' of a eukaryotic cell, and explain how the genetic material in a bacterial cell differs from the genetic material found in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.2.1 Cell Structure · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The nucleus contains DNA / genetic material
2. DNA contains instructions / controls which proteins are made
3. Proteins control all chemical reactions / all processes in the cell
4. In a bacterial cell the genetic material / DNA is not enclosed in a nucleus / has no nuclear membrane
5. Bacterial cells also contain plasmids / small loops of DNA (in addition to their chromosomal DNA)

## Key terms

- [nucleus](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nucleus)
- [eukaryotic cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/eukaryotic-cell)
- [genetic material](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/genetic-material)
- [bacterial cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/bacterial-cell)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-nucleus-is-described-6fa6b81f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.