Editing Tryptophan synthase (section)

=== Hydrophobic channel ===
The α and β active sites are separated by a 25 Ångstrom long [[hydrophobic]] channel contained within the enzyme allowing for the diffusion of indole. If the channel did not exist, the indole formed at an α active site would quickly diffuse away and be lost to the cell as it is hydrophobic and can easily cross membranes. As such, the channel is essential for enzyme complex function.<ref name="Channel">{{cite journal |vauthors=Huang X, Holden HM, Raushel FM | title = Channeling of Substrates and Intermediates in Enzyme-Catalyzes Reactions | journal =Annu Rev Biochem | volume = 70 | pages = 149–80 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11395405 | doi = 10.1146/annurev.biochem.70.1.149}}</ref>