Karyogamy

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Karyogamy is the fusion of nuclei of two cells, as part of syngamy. It is one of the two major modes of reproduction in fungi. It is also the fusion of the nuclei of two cells, as occurs in fertilization or true conjugation.

In fungi that lack sexual cycles, it is an important source of genetic variation through the formation of somatic diploids.

[karyo- + Greek gamos, marriage]