Final answer:
A heterokaryon is a cell that contains multiple nuclei, typically with different genetic information. This is a key difference from a typical cell, which has a single nucleus with a consistent genetic composition. The presence of multiple nuclei in a heterokaryon can lead to different characteristics in the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
A heterokaryon is a cell that contains two or more different nuclei, typically from different individuals or strains. A typical cell from an organism, on the other hand, contains a single nucleus. Therefore, one difference between a heterokaryon and a typical cell is the number of nuclei present. In a heterokaryon, there are multiple nuclei, whereas in a typical cell, there is only one nucleus.
Another difference between a heterokaryon and a typical cell is the genetic composition. In a heterokaryon, the nuclei may have different genetic information, whereas in a typical cell, the nucleus contains the full set of genetic material for that organism.
Additionally, a heterokaryon may exhibit different characteristics depending on the nuclei it contains, whereas a typical cell will have consistent characteristics determined by its own genetic information.