PhnM is believed to be a subunit of the membrane associated C-P lyase complex. C-P lyase is thought to catalyze the direct cleavage of inactivated C-P bonds to yield inorganic phosphate and the corresponding hydrocarbons. It is responsible for cleavage of alkylphosphonates, which are utilized as sole phosphorus sources by many bacteria.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",