The cyanate degradation pathway begins with the transportation of cyanate into the cytosol through a cynX transporter. Once inside the cytosol cyanate reacts with hydrogen carbonate and a hydrogen ion through a cyanase resulting in the release of carbon dioxide and carbamate. Carbamate reacts spontaneously with hydrogen resulting in the release of ammonium and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide reacts with water through carbonic anhydrase resulting in the release of hydrogen ion and hydrogen carbonate.

Cyanate Degradation References