Tryptophan Synthase

The structure of the last enzyme in the synthesis of tryptophan, tryptophan synthase, consists of an 2 2 dimer in which the separate subunits apparently catalyze the reactions (Figure 21.14)) in the enzyme and actually transfer the indol product through a tunnel in the interior part of the molecule. A schematic depiction of the tryptophan synthase reactions is shown in Figure 21.16.

See also: Metabolism of Aromatic Amino Acids and Histidine, Tryptophan

INTERNET LINK: Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, and Tryptophan Biosynthesis