A cell containing two or more nuclei from different genetic sources or different species, often created in laboratory fungi research.
From Greek 'hetero-' (different) and 'karyon' (nucleus). This genetic term emerged in early 20th-century fungal genetics as scientists fused cells to study nuclear function.
Heterokaryons are like cellular chimeras—scientists merge nuclei from different fungi to study which genes are needed for specific traits without changing the whole genome!
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