Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
11:14
Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum)
Julie A Chitty1, Robert S Allen, Philip J Larkin
1CSIRO, Division of Plant Industry, GPO Box 1600, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|October 13, 2006
Summary
Genetic transformation of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is now efficient, enabling studies into alkaloid biosynthesis. This robust Agrobacterium-mediated method works across diverse genotypes, including commercial cultivars.
Area of Science:
- Plant biotechnology
- Molecular biology
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) produces valuable benzylisoquinoline and morphinan alkaloids.
- Understanding alkaloid biosynthesis regulation requires genetic manipulation tools.
- Previous transformation methods were inefficient for many poppy genotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an efficient genetic transformation protocol for Papaver somniferum.
- To enable functional studies of alkaloid biosynthesis pathways.
- To facilitate genetic improvement of commercial opium poppy cultivars.
Main Methods:
- Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of hypocotyl explants.
- Selection of transformed cells using antibiotic or herbicide resistance markers.
- Induction of embryogenic callus, somatic embryogenesis, and plant regeneration.
- Testing the protocol across diverse poppy genotypes and transformation parameters.
Main Results:
- Established a robust and reliable transformation protocol for Papaver somniferum.
- Successfully transformed multiple genotypes, including recalcitrant commercial cultivars.
- Produced hundreds of confirmed transgenic poppy plants.
- Demonstrated protocol versatility using different selective agents and binary vectors.
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol significantly advances the genetic manipulation of opium poppy.
- This tool is crucial for investigating benzylisoquinoline and morphinan alkaloid biosynthesis.
- Facilitates breeding programs for enhanced alkaloid production and other traits.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin or DPDPE for...
01:20Pain
Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...