Which cellular component is responsible for carrying out metabolic processes?

The cellular component that is responsible for carrying out metabolic processes is the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the interior of the cell, providing a medium where various metabolic activities and biochemical reactions take place. It contains organelles, enzymes, and other substances that are critical for processes such as protein synthesis, cellular respiration, and other vital metabolic functions.

Ribosomes, while involved in protein synthesis and crucial for metabolism, act as the site of this specific process rather than being central to all metabolic activities. The nucleus is primarily responsible for storing genetic information and regulating gene expression but does not directly carry out the metabolic processes themselves. The cell membrane serves as a protective barrier that regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell but does not directly participate in the metabolic functions within the cell. Thus, the cytoplasm is the area where the vast majority of metabolic reactions occur, making it the correct answer.