Morphinan Alkaloid Production by Tissues Differentiated from Cultured Cells ofPapaver somniferum(1)

Abstract

From cultured cells of Papaver somniferum L., green buds and shoots were formed at a high frequency under illumination at low temperatures, 16-18° C. Differentiation was induced from meristemoids which contained large amounts of lipids. The differentiated tissues completely recovered the potential to biosynthesize morphinan alkaloids that was lost in the undifferentiated cells, i.e. calli. Moreover, it was confirmed by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for opiate that the tissues, which differentiated only a tracheary element, produced morphinan alkaloids, especially codeine as a main component.