Dolipores

Dolipores are a distinctive microscopic structure found in the septa of fungi belonging to the Basidiomycota phylum. These structures are characterized by a barrel-shaped swelling in the center of the septum, which is the wall dividing adjacent cells. The dolipore is typically surrounded by parenthesomes, which are cap-like coverings that can be porous or imperforate. The presence and morphology of dolipores are important taxonomic features for identifying and classifying different species of basidiomycete fungi.

The primary function of the dolipore is believed to be related to the regulation of cytoplasmic streaming between fungal cells. The parenthesomes act as a barrier, allowing for controlled passage of organelles and cytoplasm, while preventing the complete collapse of the hyphal system if a cell is damaged. This specialized septal pore system is a defining characteristic of the Basidiomycota and is absent in other major fungal groups like Ascomycota. Variations in dolipore and parenthesome structure can be observed under electron microscopy and are used by mycologists in fungal taxonomy.