The teliospores are initially dikaryotic but become diploid via karyogamy. The pronuclei then fuse together in a well regulated process known as karyogamy. Karyogamy, which is the fusion of the nuclei, follows closely after. The nuclei join in a process called karyogamy to form a zygote. The recombination associated with karyogamy may primarily function to repair DNA damage. An ascus (plural "asci") is then formed, in which karyogamy (nuclear fusion) occurs. There are typically three phases in the sexual reproduction of fungi&colon; plasmogamy, karyogamy and meiosis. Plasmogamy between compatible individuals leads to delayed karyogamy leading to establishment of a dikaryon. The ultimate goal of karyogamy is fusion of the two haploid nuclei. The presence of karyogamy further supports the possibility of female-female competition. Plasmogamy is followed by karyogamy, therefore zygospores are diploid (zygotes). Fusion of haploid nuclei (karyogamy) occurs in the basidia, club-shaped end cells. The haploid nuclei of "C. neoformans" can undergo nuclear fusion (karyogamy) to become diploid. The cytoplasm of two parent cells fuse during plasmogamy and the nuclei fuse during karyogamy. The ploidy levels and karyogamy events are only theorized and have yet to be proven.