How does dikaryophase differ from diploid and haploid phases?

In dikaryophase, each cell contains two separate, genetically distinct haploid nuclei (n + n) that share cytoplasm but have not fused. This contrasts with the haploid phase (single n nucleus) and diploid phase (2n nucleus after karyogamy). Dikaryons arise after plasmogamy and persist until karyogamy forms a transient diploid nucleus just before meiosis. Functionally, the dikaryon allows genetic recombination timing to be decoupled from fertilization, supporting extended somatic growth before spore formation.