dolipore

A dolipore is a distinctive anatomical feature found in the septa of fungi belonging to the Basidiomycota phylum. These septa are cross-walls that divide the hyphae, which are the thread-like structures forming the fungal body. The dolipore itself is a swelling or barrel-shaped region within the septum, with a pore in the center that allows for cytoplasmic connections between adjacent compartments of the hyphae. Surrounding this central pore are two dome-shaped caps called parenthesomes. These parenthesomes are often perforated and are thought to play a role in regulating the passage of organelles and molecules through the septum.

The presence of dolipores is a key characteristic used in the classification of fungi. While they are common in most basidiomycetes, they are absent in some groups, such as the rusts and smuts (Pucciniomycotina and Ustilaginomycotina). The structure and complexity of dolipores can vary among different basidiomycete species, and these variations have been used in phylogenetic studies. The pore and parenthesomes together create a complex pore cap system that is unique to basidiomycetes, differentiating them from other fungal phyla like Ascomycota, which have simpler septal pores. The exact function of the dolipore is still debated, but it is generally accepted to facilitate cytoplasmic streaming and organelle movement within the hyphal network, contributing to nutrient transport and cellular coordination.