Later, it was shown that the binding pattern of the swainsonine molecule resembles that of the Michaelis complex of mannose and only the protonated, charge positive swainsonine molecule binds similarly to the substrate in its transition state.
The research showed that the binding pattern of the swainsonine molecule closely matches that of the Michaelis complex formed by mannose. Only the positively charged form of swainsonine interacts with the substrate in a manner similar to its transition state.