[7] The enzyme sequences used are anthrax siderophore biosynthesis (Asb) A through F, in alphabetical order.

[8] If the enzymation reactions in this pathway proceed generally, in domains AsbA and AsbB the phosphorylation of a carboxylic acid forms an acylphosphate intermediate, which is then dephosphorylated by a primary amine in spermidine.

In domain AsbE the lone pair of electrons on a primary amine allows for a nucleophilic attack on the electrophilic hydroxyl carbon.

The sulfur on AsbE is protonated to form a thiol and the amide nitrogen is deprotonated.

[9] The dehydration of 3-dehydroshikimic acid might proceed as a modified, enzyme-catalyzed dienol benzene rearrangement and reduction, leading to aromatization of the ring.