In an animal cell, the part that controls the activities of the cell and is often referred to as the "cell brain" is the nucleus. The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and regulates gene expression, thereby controlling various cellular functions and activities.
The other options you mentioned:
- Endoplasmic reticulum: This organelle is involved in protein and lipid synthesis but does not control cell activity.
- Cytoplasm: This is the gel-like substance within the cell that contains the organelles but does not have a controlling function.
So, in summary, the nucleus is the structure that acts as the "brain" of the cell.