The Mechanism of 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconic Aldolase.

In the original study of 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconic aldolase (I), and in subsequent experiments, the net synthesis of 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate from the cleavage products could not be demonstrated. The present experiments were undertaken to clarify this point and to test the conformity of the reaction catalyzed by 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconic aldolase to the general characteristics of aldolase reactions. The data reported herein establish the reversibility of the reaction and show the tritium exchange behavior to be consistent with known aldolase reactions.