Clamp connection

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A type of connection found within a single hyphal strand of a Basidiomycete fungus. It ensures that two adjacent hyphal cells (divided by septa) each have 2 different nuclei from mating with hyphae of another sexual type. It is used in the "nuclear shuffle" similar to that found in croziers during sexual reproduction.

Mushroom tissue with several clamp connections in view

Cantharellus cibarius cells with clamp connections

Fused hyphae showing septa and clamp connection

[edit] References

• C.J. Alexopolous, Charles W. Mims, M. Blackwell et al., Introductory Mycology, 4^th ed. (John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken NJ, 2004) ISBN 0-471-52229-5