A data-based reaction mechanism for type I fructose bisphosphate aldolase

The structures of three type I fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolases have been determined and the common residues surrounding the Schiff base-forming Lys residue located. Armed with this information, it is now possible to propose a mechanism for this ubiquitous enzyme which is consistent with the recorded biochemical data. An interesting, but by no means mandatory, feature of the reaction mechanism is that catalysis can proceed without exchange with the solvent.