Antheridiol and the oogoniols, steroid hormones which control sexual reproduction in Achlya

Abstract

The sexual reproductive process in Achlya , a widely distributed genus of saprophytic aquatic fungi, is initiated and coordinated by the steroid hormones, antheridiol and the oogoniols. The discovery of these hormones, and their isolation and structural identification, are reviewed in this paper. Achlya contains a number of sterols, the major one being fucosterol, which serves as the biosynthetic precursor of antheridiol and the oogoriiols. The biosynthesis of the hormones is discussed as well as some of their specific functions in the organism.