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Dikaryotic Cell

A dikaryotic cell or biological structure (there is some debate as to whether these structures are cells) is characterized by having two nuclei. An example of a dikaryotic organism is Dikaryomycota, a phylum of fungi which have an extended dikaryon period in their life cycle. This dikaryotic stage in fungi involves the formation of two haploid nuclei, which later merge into a single nucleus in a later state. These haploid nuclei are genetically distinct. The class of organisms known as Basidiomycetes, which includes both poisonous and edible mushrooms, is known to have a relatively short dikaryotic growth stage.

Dikaryotic cells are formed when compatible nuclei from two different cells break down the wall between the cells to "cohabit" a compartment without sexual reproduction (though they are sexually compatible). This stage in most fungus does not last long, and is not the normal state.

However, in Basidiomycetes, this stage is the dominant one, and when the cell divides, the paired nuclei also divide in synchronicity. Corn smut, a member of Basidiomycetes, cannot infect a plant without two single-celled and sexually compatible spores to detect one another and come together in a dikaryon; as the dikaryon, they can infect the corn plant.

Dikaryotic cells are also called "dikaryons."

Web Resources On Dikaryotic Cell

Fungi Lecture
AP Biology: Fungi

Book Resources On Dikaryotic Cell

Molecular Biology of the Cell by John Wilson
Molecular Biology of the Gene by Watson, et al.

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