Trisporic Acid Synthesis in Homothallic and Heterothallic Mucorales

Abstract

SUMMARY: The synthesis of trisporic acids, the sexual hormones, proceeds in a similar way in mated cultures of the heterothallic fungi Mucor mucedo and Blakeslea trispora. In both species precursors are secreted by both mating types and these can be converted to trisporic acids by the sexual partner. Precursor production is strongly stimulated by trisporic acids. In homothallic species the presence of biologically active substances can be demonstrated, which have characteristics similar to those found in heterothallic strains. Moreover, precursors of trisporic acids isolated from Mucor mucedo are readily converted to trisporic acids by homothallic species. These results suggest a close relationship between the hormonal systems of homothallic and heterothallic species.