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Enhanced codeine and morphine production in suspended Papaver somniferum cultures after removal of exogenous hormones

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Summary

Morphine and codeine accumulation in Papaver somniferum suspension cultures increased markedly after removal of hormones from the medium. Cultures developed hormone self-sufficiency without organogenesis or development of meristemoids; enhanced synthesis of morphinan alkaloids was not dependent on formation of shoots, roots or embryos. Without exogenous hormones, maximum codeine and morphine concentrations were 3.0 mg g−1 dry weight and 2.5 mg g−1 dry weight respectively, up to three times higher than in cultures supplied with hormones. Hormone-deprived cells produced a higher ratio of codeine:morphine than cultures supplied with auxin and cytokinin. Improved alkaloid production was correlated with slower overall growth rate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, University of New South Wales, P.O. Box 1, 2033, Kensington, NSW, Australia

    Chui Li Siah & Pauline M. Doran

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  1. Chui Li Siah
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  2. Pauline M. Doran
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Communicated by M. Tabata

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Siah, C.L., Doran, P.M. Enhanced codeine and morphine production in suspended Papaver somniferum cultures after removal of exogenous hormones. Plant Cell Reports 10, 349–353 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00193157

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00193157

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