noun
- The fusion of the cytoplasm of two cells, especially in fungi, without fusion of their nuclei.
Usage: biology; mycology
Examples
- In fungi, plasmogamy is the first step in sexual reproduction, preceding nuclear fusion.
- The mycologist observed plasmogamy occurring between the two fungal hyphae under the microscope.
- Plasmogamy allows the exchange of cytoplasmic material between cells before karyogamy takes place.
- During plasmogamy, the cell membranes dissolve but the nuclei remain separate.