A team of researchers from the University of York and pharmaceutics giant GlaxoSmithKline Australia has discovered a morpheme gene in poppies. Morpheme is the most important ingredient used in many prescription drugs for curing both chronic and acute pain.

The morpheme gene that researchers discovered in poppies is called STPORR. They also found that it is available in certain species of poppies, majorly in those that produce morphinans.

According to scientists, this species of poppies came into existence millions of years ago when two genes mingled.

They also believed that the fusion of the genes encoded reductase enzymes and oxidase play a key role in production of morphine.

Researchers hope that discovery of the morphine in poppies can help them grow poppy plants capable of producing an increased quantity of opiate, which could help to create more pain killers.

Lead author of the study Dr. Thilo Winzer, said, "Opium poppy is one of the most important medicinal plants. The formation of the fusion protein was probably a key evolutionary event in its ability to synthesize pharmaceutically important morphinan alkaloids".

However, some experts raised concerns saying that the discovery could also make it easier for illegal drug-ushers to manufacture very dangerous drugs like heroin at home.

Study's findings that appeared in the most recent edition of the journal Science on June 25, could pave way to a better understanding of the biochemistry of poppies.

It could also help researchers fine-tune and manufacture useful poppy-derived compounds such as painkillers that could lead to safer and more effective therapies.

Jeff Comparin, the Drug Enforcement Administration's laboratory in Dulles, Virginia's Director said that certain agencies like the DEA were monitoring the situation.