Evidence for the monophyletic evolution of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis in angiosperms

Biochemical and molecular phylogenetic approaches were used to investigate the evolution of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis in angiosperms. The isolation and function charaterization of a cDNA encoding (S)-norcoclaurine synthase from opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is also reported.