By Mark Lowey -
University of Calgary scientists have discovered that metabolic enzymes in opium poppies play a more important role than previously understood in enabling the plant to make morphine, codeine and other important compounds. Researchers Peter Facchini and PhD student Scott Farrow also discovered a biochemical reaction that had not been known to occur in plants, a process they say might also happen in garden-variety poppies and other plants.
Researchers Peter Facchini and PhD student Scott Farrow also discovered a biochemical reaction that had not been known to occur in plants, a process they say might also happen in garden-variety poppies and other plants.
Their work, published this week as a cover story in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, sheds light on how the opium poppy – the world’s only source of the valuable painkillers – evolved the ability to make morphine and other compounds.
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Opium enzymes could be seen in future painkillers
