Able to cleave dimethylsulfonioproprionate (DMSP), releasing dimethyl sulfide (DMS). DMS is the principal form by which sulfur is transported from oceans to the atmosphere (PubMed:19220400, PubMed:20378650). The real activity of the protein is however subject to debate and it is unclear whether it constitutes a real dimethylsulfonioproprionate lyase in vivo: the low activity with DMSP as substrate suggests that DMSP is not its native substrate (PubMed:25140443). S,S-dimethyl-beta-propiothetin = acrylate + dimethyl sulfide + H(+) According to a report, does not bind any metal ion as cofactor (PubMed:20378650). A crystal structure complexed with 2 Fe(2+) ions has however been observed for an ortholog, suggesting that it binds 2 divalent metal cation ions per subunit (By similarity). Optimum pH is 6.0. Homodimer. Belongs to the peptidase M24B family.