phosphatase

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phosphatase (fos-fă-tayz) n. one of a group of enzymes capable of catalysing the hydrolysis of phosphoric acid esters. Phosphatases are important in the absorption and metabolism of carbohydrates, nucleotides, and phospholipids and are essential in the calcification of bone. acid p. a phosphatase present in kidney, semen, serum, and the prostate gland. alkaline p. a phosphatase that occurs in teeth, developing bone, plasma, kidney, and intestine.

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