U of Calgary Scientists Discover Codeine and Morphine Genes
Yahoo News is reporting:
CALGARY – Scientists at the University of Calgary announced Sunday they have unlocked one of the genetic secrets of the opium poppy – a discovery that may open the door to cheaper and more readily available pain relief.
Biological sciences professor Peter Facchini said they have traced the unique genes that allow the opium poppy to make codeine and morphine.
“The enzymes encoded by these two genes have eluded plant biochemists for a half-century,” said Facchini in an interview.
