Kinases are enzymes that play a crucial role in cellular processes by adding phosphate groups to other molecules, typically proteins. This process, known as phosphorylation, can activate or deactivate the target proteins, thereby regulating various biological functions such as metabolism, cell division, and signal transduction. There are many types of kinases, including protein kinases and lipid kinases, each with specific functions and targets. Dysregulation of kinase activity is often associated with diseases, including cancer, making them important targets for therapeutic interventions, such as kinase inhibitors used in cancer treatment.