Alkaline phosphatases (or alkaline phosphomonoesterases) catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphate monoesters of a variety of alcohol moieties, being most active at an alkaline pH. The enzymes have been isolated from a variety of sources, including bacteria, fungi, invertebrates, fish, and mammals (being located in many organs, including bone marrow, kidney, placenta, and intestinal mucosa), but have not been isolated from higher plants. The most commonly used alkaline phosphatases (AP) are those from calf intestinal mucosa (called CIAP, CIP, or CAP) and from the bacteriumEscherichia coli(BAP).
