Final answer:
Phosphatases function by removing phosphate groups from proteins through dephosphorylation. The correct answer to the question is c).
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of a phosphatase is to remove phosphate groups from proteins. This process, called dephosphorylation, is critical for the regulation of various biological functions. For example, a phosphatase removes phosphorylated amino acids from proteins, which can deactivate an enzyme or alter its function.
The opposite of phosphorylation, where a kinase enzyme adds a phosphate group to amino acids such as serine, threonine, or tyrosine, phosphatases play a vital role in the dynamic balance of phosphorylation-dephosphorylation. This balance is essential for processes like cell signaling.
Where enzymes are activated or inactivated to convey messages within the cell. Phosphorylation is a well-studied post-translational modification (PTM) essential for enzyme function. Thus, the correct answer to the question is: c) Removing phosphate groups.