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The information in this section will provide answers to frequently asked questions about the PhytoMetaSyn Project and /or the website. The section will be updated as new questions surface, as the project progresses and as there are media releases.
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How many researchers are working on the project? |
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There are thirteen researchers at seven institutions across Canada involved in the project. The institutions include University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, Brock University, University of Toronto, Concordia University and the NRC - Plant Biotechnology Institution in Saskatoon, SK. In addition to the Principal Investigators, there are post doctoral fellows, research associates, technicians and graduate / undergraduate students who are also involved in the project, bringing the total number of project personnel to approximately 45. |
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How were the plant species which are being studied selected. |
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A total of 75 plant species were selected based on the criteria of the occurrence of diverse compounds belonging to a specialized metabolite class and the availability of sufficient quantities of plant material to achieve the project objectives. The value added metabolites produced by several of the plants have the potential for commercialization. For example, the Opium Poppy was selected because codeine, a metabolite of the plant's biosynthetic pathways has potential for commercialization as an analgesic. Other plants were selected because there is the potential for the commercialization of the metabolites as flavouring agents, industrial applications as a resin, or as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of cancer.
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