University of Brighton - Fungus and sexual flip-flops

Fungus may play a role in triggering sex change in some animals, researchers at the University of Brighton believe. Scientists have found 7,000 species of fungus that contain an enzyme that generates steroid hormones, including testosterone, raising the possibility that they may be responsible for sex change in mammals and some amphibians. Christy Hunter, who is behind the findings, said the enzyme "could represent a significant biological machine for generating androgens and causing sex change in animals".