Phosphatases are enzymes that remove phosphate groups from molecules, a process known as dephosphorylation. This action is crucial for regulating various cellular functions, including metabolism, signal transduction, and cell division. By reversing the effects of kinases, which add phosphate groups, phosphatases help maintain the balance of phosphorylation in cells. There are two main types of phosphatases: protein phosphatases, which target proteins, and alkaline phosphatases, which act on a variety of substrates, including nucleotides and alkaloids. These enzymes play essential roles in many biological processes, making them important for overall cellular health and function.