How opium poppies synthesize morphine
Monday, July 13, 2015 - 14:40
in Biology & Nature
After years of leading research on the opium poppy scientists have characterized a novel gene that encodes the gateway enzyme in the formation of morphine -- which is to say, they've begun to understand how poppies synthesize the pain killing enzymes. The discovery opens the door to alternative production systems, aside from the plant itself.