Catalyzes the reversible conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate into phosphoenolpyruvate. It is essential for the degradation of carbohydrates via glycolysis. (2R)-2-phosphoglycerate = H2O + phosphoenolpyruvate The covalent binding to the substrate causes inactivation of the enzyme, and possibly serves as a signal for the export of the protein. Carbohydrate degradation; glycolysis; pyruvate from D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate: step 4/5. Component of the RNA degradosome, which is a multiprotein complex involved in RNA processing and mRNA degradation. Fractions of enolase are present in both the cytoplasm and on the cell surface. The export of enolase possibly depends on the covalent binding to the substrate; once secreted, it remains attached to the cell surface. Belongs to the enolase family.