A genotype 'Sujata' developed earlier at CSIR-CIMAP from its parent 'Sampada' is considered to be the latex-less variety of Papaver somniferum. These two genotypes are contrasting in terms of latex and stem strength. Earlier we have carried out microarray analysis to identify differentially expressing genes from the capsules of the two genotypes. In this study, the peduncles of the two genotype...

The benzylisoquinoline alkaloid papaverine, synthesized in low amount in most of the opium poppy varieties of Papaver somniferum, is used as a vasodilator muscle relaxant and antispasmodic. Papaverine biosynthesis remains controversial as two different routes utilizing either (S)-coclaurine or (S)-reticuline have been proposed with uncharacterized intermediate steps. In an attempt to elucidate ...

Molecular clones encoding nine consecutive biosynthetic enzymes that catalyze the conversion of l-dopa to the protoberberine alkaloid (S)-canadine were isolated from meadow rue (Thalictrum flavum ssp glaucum). The predicted proteins showed extensive sequence identity with corresponding enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of related benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in other species, such as opium p...

Latex and cell-free extracts of various organs and stages of plant and capsule development in Papaver somniferum, the opium poppy, synthesized dopamine, an alkaloid precursor, from 14C-dopa. The 1000 g X 30 min supernatant from latex of the pedicel-capsule junction converted more dopa than latex supernatant from the upper capsule or lower pedicel regions, although there was more protein in the ...