Evolution of magnoliid genomes and benzylisoquinoline alkaloids

Magnoliids constitute the third largest group of flowering plants. They are well-recognized for their rich production of secondary metabolites, which encompass a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Notably, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are uniquely synthesized in magnoliids and early-diverging eudicots, contrasting with their absence in monocots, core-eudicots and other plant groups. BIAs exhibit significant pharmacological value, with approximately 2,500 structures identified, including well-known therapeutic agents like morphine, codeine, and papaverine.