Neurospora crassa

Glossary Heterokaryon/Homokaryon Complementation tests take advantage of the ability of compatible strains to fuse; if the nuclei of strains that fuse have differences, the resulting strain is called a heterokaryon because it will contain a mixture of different nuclei, whereas a strain with only one type of nuclei is called a homokaryon. Heterothallic A heterothallic fungus requires the fusion of genetically different nuclei (e.g., having different matingtype genes) to produce sexual spores. Homothallic A homothallic fungus does not require fusion of genetically different nuclei to produce sexual spores, that is, it is self-fertile.