protein phosphatases

Protein phosphatases are enzymes that remove phosphate groups from proteins. This process is crucial for regulating various cellular functions, including metabolism, gene expression, and cell division. By dephosphorylating proteins, these enzymes can either activate or deactivate them, thus influencing their activity and interactions with other molecules. This action is part of a larger balance between phosphorylation (adding phosphate groups, typically by another type of enzyme called kinases) and dephosphorylation, which is essential for maintaining normal cellular processes and responding to environmental changes.