Which of the following is a function of the Control Unit?

The Control Unit (CU) is a critical component of the central processing unit (CPU), responsible for directing the operation of the processor. It orchestrates the activities of the CPU by fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, and then directing the execution of these instructions. Essentially, it manages the flow of data between the CPU and other components of the computer, ensuring that each part of the system operates in harmony according to the program's requirements.

While arithmetic calculations are executed by the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and data storage for quick access is typically the role of RAM or cache memory, the Control Unit does not engage in these processes directly. Additionally, though the CU does initiate the execution of machine code instructions, its principal role is directing the overall operations and coordination within the processor, which makes its function vital for any movement of data or instruction sequence within the system. This central role of directing and managing operations is what clearly identifies the Control Unit's primary function.