Which component is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations?

The component responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations is the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which is a fundamental part of a computer's architecture. The ALU carries out mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as logical operations like AND, OR, NOT, and XOR.

The processing power of a computer largely depends on the efficiency and capability of the ALU to perform these operations rapidly and accurately. It interacts closely with the control unit, which directs the flow of data within the system, but it is the ALU that executes the specific operations on that data.

In contrast, the control unit orchestrates the overall operation of the computer but does not perform calculations itself. The data bus serves as a communication system between different components, allowing data to be transmitted, but it does not carry out operations. The memory unit is responsible for storing data and instructions for processing but does not perform arithmetic or logical operations either. This delineation of functions illustrates why the arithmetic logic unit stands out as the correct answer.