Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In the context of fungi, what does it mean to say that a hypha is dikaryotic?
A
It has two identical nuclei that have fused together.
B
It is a single-celled structure with a single nucleus.
C
It is a hypha that has undergone meiosis.
D
It contains two genetically distinct nuclei within each cell.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'dikaryotic': In fungi, 'dikaryotic' refers to a condition where each cell contains two nuclei that are genetically distinct.
Recognize the process leading to a dikaryotic state: This occurs after plasmogamy, which is the fusion of cytoplasm from two different fungal cells, but before karyogamy, which is the fusion of nuclei.
Differentiate from other nuclear conditions: Unlike a diploid cell where the nuclei have fused, a dikaryotic cell maintains two separate nuclei within the same cell.
Identify the significance in fungal life cycle: The dikaryotic phase is crucial in the sexual reproduction of fungi, particularly in basidiomycetes and ascomycetes, where it can persist for extended periods.
Clarify the misconception: A dikaryotic hypha does not have fused nuclei, nor is it a single-celled structure with a single nucleus, nor has it undergone meiosis. It specifically contains two distinct nuclei per cell.