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CLAMP CONNECTIONS
Clamp Connection
● It operates to ensure the maintenance of the dikaryotic
condition in each new cell or compartment of the
secondary mycelium.
● Structure formed by two hyphal cells of certain fungi.
● Used to create genetic variation like croizer
mechanism of sexual reproduction.
● When a binucleate hyphal tip is ready to divide, it
arises between the two nuclei and form a hook.
Mechanism of Clamp connection
Role of clamp connection in maintaining a
dikaryon
● It is interesting to note that some mycologists have
likened these structures to the hooks of the ascogenous
hyphae in Ascomycota.
● However, other mycologists have suggested that the
similarity is due to convergent evolution.
Dolipore Septum
● In some species, the septum wall simply tapers toward
the central pore while in others the septal wall near the
pore is thickened to form a characteristic dough nut
like or barrel- shaped swelling. This latter type of
septum is called a dolipore septum.
● It is a dome- shaped, membranous structure referred to
here as the septal pore cap.
● The structure appears to consist of modified
endoplasmic reticulum and is an integral and
functional part of the septal apparatus.
● Although the caps of some species appear as
continuous, non- porous structures, those of most
species are perforate.
● In some cases, the perforations are large and of
irregular size and spacing while in other cases they are
smaller and of regular size and spacing.
Functions of Doliopore Septum
● It is probably safe to say that its exact function remains
unclear.
● It would seem, however, that the pore cap acts as a
screen or sieve, possibly permitting the passage of
some cellular components from one cell to the next
while retarding others.
● Various ultrastructural and cytochemical changes also
have been reported in doliopore septa during
basidiocarp development.