Female sex hormone found in the leaves of walnut

Biologists have made an unusual discovery: they found a female sex hormone progesterone in the plant. First it was thought that the male and female steroid hormones - it is the prerogative solely of animals. However, more recently, progesterone was found in the leaves of English walnut.

This hormone produced in the ovaries of animals and humans, is responsible for preparing the female body to intrauterine pregnancy, in addition, he also manages the process of pregnancy. In the production of contraceptives used a synthetic version of a hormone - progestin.

The value of detection of this hormone in plants is difficult to overestimate, says biologist Guido Pauli of the University of Washington. "The biological role of this hormone in animals has been known for quite some time, but its presence in plants so far remained unnoticed," - he said. This finding suggests that progesterone - this is a very ancient biological control, which could occur over millions of years before the appearance of animals on our planet, the scientist noted. "It may be worth a fresh look at the role that hormones do in biology" - emphasizes the Pauli.

Substances such as progesterone, scientists have found in plants and earlier, because assuming that the hormone may also be in plants. However, in reality, it was discovered only now. In addition, during the analysis of some other species, the researchers also found several strong chemical hormone regulators responsible for certain functions of plants.