Phosphatases are enzymes that catalyze the removal of phosphate groups from molecules, particularly proteins, a process known as dephosphorylation. This action is crucial in regulating various cellular processes, including signal transduction pathways, by reversing the effects of kinases, which add phosphate groups to proteins. By modulating the phosphorylation state of target proteins, phosphatases play a vital role in controlling cellular responses to external signals and maintaining homeostasis.
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