* Karyogamy: While the fusion of fungal cells (plasmogamy) occurs, the nuclei of the two cells don't immediately fuse. Instead, they exist as separate entities within the same cell. This stage is called dikaryotic.
* Nuclear Fusion: True fertilization occurs when the two nuclei finally fuse. This process is called karyogamy. It often happens much later, even after a period of growth or development.
Therefore, in most fungi, fertilization is a two-step process:
1. Plasmogamy: Cell fusion
2. Karyogamy: Nuclear fusion
Important Note: This is the general pattern for most fungi, but there are exceptions. Some fungal species have direct nuclear fusion after cell fusion, skipping the dikaryotic stage.
