What is the Difference Between Plasmogamy and Karyogamy?

Plasmogamy and karyogamy are two stages of fertilization in eukaryotic organisms, specifically during the sexual reproductive cycle. The main differences between plasmogamy and karyogamy are:

• Nuclei Fusion: Plasmogamy refers to the fusion of the cytoplasm of two gametes or two vegetative cells, while karyogamy refers to the fusion of two nuclei during fertilization. In plasmogamy, the nuclei are not merged, whereas in karyogamy, the nuclei are fused with each other to produce a zygote.
• Resultant Cell: Plasmogamy produces a dikaryotic cell, which possesses an n+n state (containing two types of haploid nuclei). In contrast, karyogamy produces a 2n cell called the diploid zygote.
• Order of Events: Plasmogamy occurs first, followed by karyogamy. In some organisms, these two stages occur simultaneously, while in some species, karyogamy is delayed for a considerable time.

In summary, plasmogamy is the fusion of the cytoplasm of two gametes or vegetative cells, while karyogamy is the fusion of two nuclei during fertilization. These two stages differ in the fusion of nuclei, the resultant cell, and their order of occurrence during fertilization.

Comparative Table: Plasmogamy vs Karyogamy

Plasmogamy and karyogamy are two stages of syngamy, a process of fertilization in fungi. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

In summary, plasmogamy is the fusion of two haploid cells to form a dikaryotic cell, while karyogamy is the fusion of two haploid nuclei within the dikaryotic cell to form a diploid zygote.