alkaline phosphatase

Main Entry: alkaline phosphatase
Function: noun
: any of the phosphatases (as phosphomonoesterase from blood plasma or milk) optimally active in alkaline medium andoccurring in especially high concentrations in bone, the liver, the kidneys, and the placenta

alkaline phosphatase n.
A phosphatase with an optimum functioning at pH 8.6; it is present throughout the body.

alkaline phosphatase

enzyme that is normally present in high concentrations in growing bone and in bile. It is essential for the deposition of minerals in the bones and teeth. Alkaline phosphatase deficiency is a hereditary trait called hypophosphatasia, which results in bone deformities. In severe cases, the deficiency leads to early death from infection. Alkaline phosphatase is also present in the blood and is an important clinical diagnostic indicator for several illnesses, including chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Learn more about alkaline phosphatase with a free trial on Britannica.com.