Hydroxylation of Steroids, Principally Progesterone, by a Strain of Aspergillus Ochraceus

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Abstract
A strain of Aspergillus ochraceus has been studied in detail for conversion of progesterone. This strain converts progesterone to 11α-hydroxyprogesterone and this derivative is further hydroxylated to 6β, 11α-dihydroxyprogesterone. The 6β-hydroxylation of 11α-hydroxyprogesterone can be prevented by a Zn++ deficiency. This has been explained by the limitation placed on protein synthesis and adaptive enzyme formation by a deficiency of Zn++. Conversion of other steroids by A. ochraceus is noted.