Description: A heterokaryon is a cell that contains two or more genetically different nuclei. This phenomenon is observed in various forms of life, including certain types of fungi, plants, and animal cells. Heterokaryons can arise from the fusion of cells from different origins, resulting in a mix of genetic material. This characteristic is fundamental to understanding complex biological processes, such as genetic variability and adaptation. In the context of cell biology, heterokaryons may exhibit a range of distinctive features, such as the ability to perform different metabolic functions and the potential to experience genetic interactions that would not occur in cells with a single nucleus. Additionally, heterokaryons are important in studies of genetics and developmental biology, as they allow researchers to investigate how different genomes can interact within the same cell. Their study also has implications for research on diseases, as some pathologies may be related to the presence of genetically diverse nuclei within a cell.
