STEROL PRODUCTION BY SOME WOOD-ROTTING BASIDIOMYCETES

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Abstract
Fourteen species (six genera) of wood-rotting basidiomycetes cultured in a chemically defined medium were examined for the presence of sterol material. These fungi were found to contain ergosterol in amounts that ranged in value from 0.017 to 0.42% of their mycelial dry weights. Such values are, in general, comparable to sterol values reported for other fungi.The synthesis of sterol by Fomes meliae was found to accompany active growth of the fungus and was quantitatively influenced by the composition of the growth medium. Hexose supported greater production of sterol than did pentose, and organic nitrogen was superior to inorganic nitrogen in respect to this synthesis. The combination of hexose and organic nitrogen supported the greatest synthesis of sterol.