Karyogamy

Definition

Karyogamy is the process in which two haploid nuclei fuse to form a diploid nucleus during sexual reproduction in fungi. This is a critical step in the fungal life cycle, leading to genetic recombination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Karyogamy occurs after plasmogamy, where the cytoplasm of two parent cells merge.
2. It results in the formation of a zygote with a diploid nucleus.
3. Karyogamy is followed by meiosis, which restores the haploid state in fungi.
4. This process contributes to genetic diversity among fungal species.
5. It is a defining feature of sexual reproduction in many fungi, including ascomycetes and basidiomycetes.

Review Questions

• What is the role of karyogamy in the fungal life cycle?
• How does karyogamy differ from plasmogamy?
• Why is karyogamy important for genetic diversity in fungi?

Related terms

Plasmogamy: The fusion of cytoplasm from two parent mycelia.

Meiosis:

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells.

Zygote: A diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes.