Septum

Definition

A septum is a dividing wall or membrane in an organism. It can be found in various biological structures and plays a key role in cell division and structure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In prokaryotic cell division, the septum forms during binary fission to divide the parent cell into two daughter cells.
2. The formation of a septum ensures that each daughter cell receives an equal share of genetic material.
3. In fungi, septa (plural of septum) partition the hyphae into individual cells, which can help with structural support and compartmentalization.
4. Septa in fungal hyphae often have pores that allow for cytoplasmic streaming and communication between cells.
5. Incomplete or absent septa in certain fungi result in coenocytic hyphae, where multiple nuclei share a common cytoplasm.

Review Questions

• What role does the septum play during prokaryotic cell division?
• How do septa contribute to the structure and function of fungal hyphae?
• What are the implications of having incomplete or absent septa in fungi?

Related terms

Binary Fission: A method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Hyphae:

Long filamentous structures that make up the mycelium of a fungus.

Coenocytic: Refers to fungal hyphae without septa, resulting in a continuous cytoplasmic mass with multiple nuclei.