How is alkaline phosphatase (ALP) cleaved from the biliary membrane?

Prepare for the ACVIM General Board Exam with comprehensive flashcards and in-depth multiple choice questions. Gain insights with detailed explanations and enhance your readiness for success!

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that is associated with the biliary membrane and plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including bile secretion and phosphate metabolism. The mechanism by which ALP is cleaved from the biliary membrane primarily involves interaction with bile salts.

Bile salts serve to solubilize lipids and play a significant role in the digestion and absorption of fats. When bile salts are released into the biliary tract, they influence the structural integrity of the biliary membranes and can facilitate the release of certain proteins and enzymes, including ALP, from the surface of the biliary epithelium. The presence of bile salts allows for efficient membrane insertion as well as the eventual detachment of enzymes like ALP into the bile, making them available for their physiological functions in the digestive system.

The other choices do not accurately describe the specific mechanism relevant to ALP. Hydrolysis refers to the process of breaking chemical bonds by the addition of water, which is not the method by which ALP is released from the membrane. Proteolytic enzymes are involved in the breakdown of proteins but are not specifically responsible for the cleavage of ALP from the biliary membrane. Lipase action pertains to the breakdown of

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