noun
- A condition in which a fungal or other cell contains two or more nuclei of different genetic composition.
Usage: biology; mycology; technical
Examples
- Heterokaryosis in fungi allows for genetic variation without sexual reproduction.
- The researcher observed heterokaryosis in the Neurospora strain under the microscope.
- Heterokaryosis can lead to the expression of recessive traits in fungal cells.
- This fungal species exhibits heterokaryosis as a mechanism for genetic diversity.