PLASMOGAMY Meaning and
Definition
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Plasmogamy is a term primarily used in the field of biology to describe a reproductive process that occurs in certain species, specifically in fungi and some protists. The term is derived from the Greek words "plasmós," meaning "formed substance," and "gámos," meaning "marriage" or "union," emphasizing the fusion of cellular contents.
In plasmogamy, two individual cells or hyphae (filamentous structures) from distinct mating types come into contact and fuse together. This fusion leads to the merging of their cytoplasm and the creation of a single hybrid cell. It is important to note that in plasmogamy, the genetic material in each cell remains separate, as the nuclei do not fuse yet. This distinguishes plasmogamy from karyogamy, another stage of sexual reproduction in fungi, where the nuclei of the fused cells merge.
Plasmogamy is a critical step in the sexual reproduction cycle of many fungi. Following plasmogamy, karyogamy can occur, resulting in the union of the nuclei and the formation of a diploid cell. This process eventually leads to the development of spores, which can be dispersed and initiate new growth.
Understanding plasmogamy is vital for researchers studying fungal genetics, as it directly influences the genetic diversity and evolution within populations of fungi. It is an intricate mechanism that ensures the survival and adaptation of fungal species through genetic recombination, making it a significant phenomenon in the life cycle of these organisms.
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The partial union of the daughter cells of two contiguous protozoan organisms reproducing by bud-fission.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLASMOGAMY
Etymology of PLASMOGAMY
The word "plasmogamy" is derived from the Greek roots "plasma" and "gamos".
- "Plasma" (πλάσμα) in Greek means "something molded" or "something formed". It is related to the verb "plassein", which means "to mold" or "to shape".
- "Gamos" (γάμος) refers to "marriage" or "union".
Therefore, the term "plasmogamy" in biology specifically refers to the fusion or union of cytoplasm between two cells during the process of sexual reproduction in various organisms, such as fungi.
