Protein Motions Are Coupled to the Reaction Chemistry in Coenzyme B12-Dependent Ethanolamine Ammonia Lyase

The role of protein dynamics in promoting catalysis is hotly debated. Infrared data from both ultrafast flash photolysis and stopped‐flow studies show that not only does there appear to be vibrational coupling between the cofactor and protein in B12‐dependent ethanolamine ammonia lyase, but also that there are significant protein motions coupled to the reaction that follows substrate binding (see picture).