What substrate is utilized in the Bowers-McComb method for ALP measurement?

The Bowers-McComb method for measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) utilizes alpha-naphthylphosphate as its substrate. This method is based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of alpha-naphthylphosphate, where ALP catalyzes the removal of the phosphate group, resulting in the formation of alpha-naphthol. The amount of alpha-naphthol produced can be measured colorimetrically, leading to a quantification of ALP activity.

Alpha-naphthylphosphate is specifically chosen for its effective conversion by ALP and the subsequent reactions that allow for accurate measurement. The alternatives presented in the question, such as beta-naphthylphosphate, glycogen, and glucose, do not provide suitable substrates for this alkaline phosphatase assay and are not involved in the Bowers-McComb method.