Dikaryotic

Definition

Dikaryotic refers to a fungal cell state where two genetically distinct nuclei coexist within a single cell. This stage is common in the life cycle of many fungi, particularly in the phylum Basidiomycota and Ascomycota.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dikaryotic cells are formed after plasmogamy, the fusion of cytoplasm from two different fungal cells.
2. In the dikaryotic stage, each nucleus divides independently during mitosis.
3. The dikaryotic phase can be prolonged and is crucial for sexual reproduction in many fungi.
4. Eventually, karyogamy occurs, where the two nuclei fuse to form a diploid nucleus.
5. The dikaryotic stage is prominent in mycelium structures of basidiomycetes and ascomycetes.

Review Questions

Related terms

Plasmogamy: The fusion of cytoplasm from two different fungal cells without nuclear fusion.

Karyogamy: The fusion of two haploid nuclei to form a diploid nucleus.

Mycelium:

A network of hyphae that forms the vegetative part of a fungus.