Quantitative characterization of the contents of Papaver somniferum latex vacuoles

Papaver somniferum latex vacuoles were separated into two discrete fractions–‐the 900 Xg and the 1100 Xg vacuoles. The two vacuolar populations were assayed over the three‐week period of capsule maturation. Estimations of the anions sulphate, meconate and chloride, as well as the inorganic cations K + ,Na + , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ , were made, together with measurements of the alkaloids morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine and noscapine. A correlation between alkaloids and organic acids has been established which supports the proposed “ion trap” mechanism proposed for alkaloid sequestration in poppy latex vacuoles.