What are coenocytic hyphae?

Coenocytic hyphae are a type of fungal hyphae characterized by being long, tubular structures that lack internal cross-walls or septa. As a result, they form a continuous mass of cytoplasm containing many nuclei scattered throughout, without division into individual cells.

• These hyphae arise because nuclear divisions occur without cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division), creating a multinucleate, cell-like structure.
• Coenocytic hyphae are typically seen in certain groups of fungi, notably in the class Zygomycetes (such as bread molds like Rhizopus).
• Their continuous structure allows for more rapid transport of nutrients within the hyphae, but if damaged, the entire hypha can be affected since there are no septa to compartmentalize damage.